Which of the following is an accepted exception for using otherwise protected characteristics under the Fair Housing Act?

The correct answer highlights a specific exception under the Fair Housing Act concerning housing specifically for older persons. The act encourages fair housing practices by prohibiting discrimination based on protected characteristics, including familial status. However, it recognizes that certain types of housing can cater to older adults and may not be subject to the same restrictions.

In this case, housing designated for older persons can legally restrict occupancy based on age, as long as it complies with the requirements set forth within the Fair Housing Act. Such housing must typically demonstrate that it exclusively serves older individuals, often defined as those aged 62 or older, while also providing an exemption for familial status, which means refusing to rent to families with children.

The other options do not align with accepted exceptions under the Fair Housing Act. Age-restricted housing for those aged 50 and older, although restrictive, must meet very specific legal criteria to qualify as an exception. Units constructed in predominantly minority areas or the sale of luxury properties in upscale neighborhoods do not pertain directly to exemptions from the Fair Housing Act's protections and could involve discriminatory practices. Thus, recognizing the specific allowances for older persons aligns properly with the nuances of housing rights under the Fair Housing Act.