Florida Broker Practice Exam

What must a licensee do if a seller or landlord requests a violation of Fair Housing Laws?

1. List the property anyway

2. Refuse to list or terminate the existing listing

3. Consult with a supervisor

4. Submit a complaint to HUD

The correct answer is: Refuse to list or terminate the existing listing

When a seller or landlord requests a violation of Fair Housing Laws, the most appropriate course of action for a licensee is to refuse to list or terminate the existing listing. This response aligns with the principles of Fair Housing, which are designed to prevent discrimination based on characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability. The licensee has an ethical and legal obligation to uphold these laws and should not participate in any action that would contravene them. Listing a property despite such a request could result in further discriminatory practices and potentially lead to legal repercussions for the licensee, including fines, penalties, or the loss of their real estate license. Therefore, taking a stand against the violation by refusing to list or terminating any existing agreements that involve illegal requests is the correct response. Consulting with a supervisor may be advisable in some situations to ensure proper handling of the case and to gain additional support, but it does not address the immediate need to refuse unreasonable requests that violate Fair Housing Laws. Similarly, submitting a complaint to HUD may be a necessary step afterward if violations have occurred or if further guidance is needed; however, the priority must always be to refuse participation in discriminatory practices initially.