Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 100%

A licensee is asked to find an apartment in a complex where children are not allowed. Which of the following is the best response to make?

Rationale

Inform the prospect that only bona fide retirement communities are legally allowed to prohibit children.

This response accurately reflects the legal framework surrounding housing and discrimination, specifically the Fair Housing Act, which permits age-restricted communities. Such communities are legally recognized to limit occupancy to individuals aged 55 and older, thereby exempting them from certain housing discrimination laws.

A (Tell the prospect that all available properties must be shown.) YOUR ANSWER

This response does not address the specific request of the prospect regarding children. While it is true that a licensee must provide equal opportunity in showing properties, it fails to recognize the legal implications of showing properties that may not accommodate children, leading to potential misunderstandings or violations of the Fair Housing Act.

B (Tell the prospect this practice is 'steering' and is illegal.) YOUR ANSWER

While steering is indeed illegal, this response inaccurately categorizes the request to not show properties to families with children as steering. Steering refers to guiding clients toward or away from certain neighborhoods based on protected characteristics, and in this case, the prospect is seeking specific housing options rather than being directed toward or away from a particular area.

C (Offer the prospect a property that is 'for adults only.') YOUR ANSWER

This suggestion could mislead the prospect, as not all properties labeled as 'for adults only' are legally recognized as such. Furthermore, offering such a property without clarifying its legal status can result in confusion and potential legal issues for the licensee.

Conclusion

In situations where a prospect seeks housing that prohibits children, the most accurate and legally sound response is to clarify that only bona fide retirement communities have the legal right to enforce such restrictions. This understanding is critical for ensuring compliance with housing laws while providing appropriate guidance to clients.

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