Prepare for the Hawaii Pre-Licensing National Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question provides hints and explanations. Get ready for success!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


Under the Federal Fair Housing Act, how should a broker respond to a homeowner's preference for a specific type of family as tenants?

  1. Follow the preference if possible

  2. Inform the owner that such preferences cannot be followed

  3. Advise to conduct a thorough background check

  4. Agree to the preference for legal reasons

The correct answer is: Inform the owner that such preferences cannot be followed

The Federal Fair Housing Act is designed to prevent discrimination in housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. When a homeowner expresses a preference for a specific type of family as tenants, a broker must adhere to the mandates of this act, which prohibits discriminatory practices. Informing the homeowner that such preferences cannot be followed is the correct approach because it upholds fair housing laws, ensuring that all potential tenants are treated equally and without bias. This response is crucial not only to comply with legal obligations but also to promote equal opportunity in housing. The broker's role includes educating clients about these laws and helping them understand the importance of non-discriminatory practices in rental situations. This approach also protects the broker from potential legal consequences that could arise from facilitating discriminatory preferences. Therefore, it is essential for brokers to firmly communicate that they cannot act on any customer or owner preferences that violate the Fair Housing Act, fostering an inclusive and equitable rental environment.