Which agency must approve settlement agreements in a fair housing complaint as being in the public interest?

• A. Department of Housing and Urban Development
• B. Federal Trade Commission
• C. HUD
• D. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that the agency responsible for enforcing the Fair Housing Act must approve settlements to ensure they serve the public interest. When a fair housing complaint is resolved, HUD reviews and approves the settlement terms to make sure the remedy appropriately stops discrimination, improves access and opportunities, and can be effectively enforced. This approval gives the agreement legal force and ensures monitoring and accountability.

Federal Trade Commission handles deceptive practices and antitrust concerns in general commerce, not housing discrimination, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau oversees financial products and services. Neither agency has authority to approve FHA settlement terms, which is why HUD is the correct choice.