Which of the following offers protection against high settlement charges?

The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) is the correct choice because it was specifically designed to protect consumers from high settlement charges or closing costs associated with real estate transactions. RESPA requires lenders to provide borrowers with a good faith estimate of settlement costs, ensuring transparency and helping consumers understand the total closing costs involved in buying a home. This legislation aims to eliminate hidden fees and unnecessary expenses, promoting fair practices in the real estate settlement process.

In contrast, the Affordable Housing Act primarily focuses on increasing access to affordable housing, while the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) deals with consumer protection regarding credit terms and disclosure, but does not directly address settlement charges. The Fair Housing Act is aimed at preventing discrimination in housing, ensuring equal treatment in housing matters, rather than focusing on settlement costs. Therefore, RESPA is uniquely positioned to handle concerns about high settlement charges, making it the right answer.