Illinois Leasing Agent Practice Exam

If a rental agent shows a couple with children only first-floor apartments, what should have been done?

1. Inquire about the couple's preferences

2. Offer only lower-priced apartments

3. Ensure children are not housed on the upper floors

4. Disregard their family status

The correct answer is: Inquire about the couple's preferences

In this scenario, the correct approach is to inquire about the couple's preferences. This allows the rental agent to provide options that align with the couple’s needs and desires while adhering to fair housing laws. It is essential for agents to engage with clients about their specific requirements concerning their living situation. Asking about preferences gives the couple the opportunity to express their specific needs, such as a preference for certain floors based on their children’s ages or any other factors that might influence their rental choice. This approach also supports equitable treatment, ensuring that families with children are not unintentionally restricted to only certain types of apartments or locations, which could raise potential discrimination issues. Ultimately, being attentive to a client's preferences fosters a more inclusive and supportive environment for all tenants. Other options do not align well with best practices in rental services. Offering only lower-priced apartments may limit choices unfairly based on assumptions about the family's financial situation. Ensuring children are not housed on upper floors and disregarding their family status could both lead to discriminatory practices, violating fair housing laws.