Illinois Leasing Agent Practice Exam

In cases of alleged discrimination by a leasing agent, whom should a prospective tenant report to?

1. The local housing authority

2. IDFPR

3. The landlord's office

4. A legal advisor

The correct answer is: IDFPR

When addressing incidents of alleged discrimination by a leasing agent, reporting to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) is essential because this agency oversees real estate professionals, including leasing agents. The IDFPR is responsible for enforcing laws and regulations related to fair housing and can take action against a leasing agent if they are found to have engaged in discriminatory practices. The IDFPR has the authority to investigate complaints and enforce the relevant laws governing the conduct of licensed leasing agents. This includes ensuring that they comply with fair housing laws, which aim to protect individuals from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability. In contrast, while the local housing authority might provide some resources and information regarding housing issues, it typically does not handle discrimination complaints directly against leasing agents. Similarly, the landlord's office would not be an appropriate reporting avenue, as they are the source of the alleged discriminatory behavior and are unlikely to address it impartially. Although consulting a legal advisor can be beneficial for understanding legal rights and options, it does not directly lead to action against the alleged discrimination, making the IDFPR the most suitable option for reporting such incidents.