If a property manager refuses to rent an office to an African-American applicant, under which act does the applicant have legal recourse?

The Civil Rights Act of 1866 is pivotal in addressing racial discrimination in housing and property-related matters, making it a significant legal avenue for the African-American applicant in this scenario. This act explicitly states that all citizens have the same right to make and enforce contracts and to inherit, purchase, lease, sell, hold, and convey real and personal property. It aims to eliminate racial discrimination in property transactions.

This historical legislation provides a strong foundation for legal recourse against discriminatory practices, such as a property manager refusing to rent to someone based solely on their race. The importance of the Civil Rights Act of 1866 stems from its establishment of legal principles that protect the rights of individuals in property transactions without regard to race, which is directly relevant to the applicant's rights in this case.

Other options, while also relevant to civil rights and housing, either apply to broader areas or were enacted later and may encompass specific issues around housing but do not directly address the right to property in the same way as the 1866 act. Understanding the significance of the Civil Rights Act of 1866 is essential when discussing the legal recourses available to individuals facing racial discrimination in property rental situations.