Idaho Real Estate Practice Exam

If an Idahoan does not live in their personal residence for 6 months or more of a year, what law may be in jeopardy?

1. Homestead exemption

2. Property tax exemption

3. Zoning law

4. Land use regulation

The correct answer is: Homestead exemption

The correct answer relates to the homestead exemption, which is a provision designed to protect a portion of an individual's home value from creditors and property taxes. In Idaho, for a property to qualify for this exemption, the owner must occupy the residence as their primary home. If an Idahoan does not live in their personal residence for at least six months of the year, they may lose their eligibility for this exemption because it emphasizes the requirement of primary residency. In contrast, the property tax exemption, zoning laws, and land use regulations do not hinge on the length of residency in the same way. Property tax exemptions can have different criteria that do not strictly depend on the homeowner’s physical presence, zoning laws relate to how properties may be used in a given area, and land use regulations govern broader planning factors rather than immediate occupation status. Therefore, the homestead exemption being specifically tied to the owner's occupancy clearly indicates why it is the law that may be jeopardized due to insufficient residency.