Illinois Leasing Agent Practice Exam

If an owner rents only to singles and turns away married couples, what legal issue may arise?

1. Compliance with leasing regulations

2. Violation of the Illinois Human Rights Act

3. Improper advertising practices

4. Failure to maintain the property

The correct answer is: Violation of the Illinois Human Rights Act

The correct answer highlights a significant legal issue concerning discrimination in housing practices. Under the Illinois Human Rights Act, it is unlawful to deny housing based on marital status, among other protected categories such as race, gender, and religion. By exclusively renting to singles and rejecting married couples, the owner may be engaging in discriminatory practices, which could expose them to legal repercussions and potential lawsuits. In Illinois, fair housing laws aim to ensure equal access to housing for all individuals, regardless of their marital status. This means landlords must treat all applicants fairly and cannot implement policies that disproportionately deny access to certain groups. Discrimination can also result in significant financial penalties and damage to one's reputation as a landlord. Other options, while relevant to leasing practices, do not specifically address the core issue of discrimination based on marital status. Compliance with leasing regulations is a broad concern that may not encompass specific discriminatory actions. Improper advertising practices might refer to how properties are marketed but does not directly relate to the issue at hand. Similarly, failure to maintain the property pertains to health and safety standards rather than issues of discrimination. Hence, the violation of the Illinois Human Rights Act directly addresses the legal implications of the owner's discriminatory rental practices.