Illinois Leasing Agent Practice Exam

Is it acceptable for a leasing agent to refuse to rent to someone with a poor credit history?

1. Yes

2. No

3. Only if they have a criminal record

4. Only if the property is subsidized

The correct answer is: Yes

In the context of leasing agreements, it is permissible for a leasing agent to take a tenant's credit history into account when making rental decisions. A poor credit history may indicate a higher risk of default on rent payments, which is a legitimate concern for landlords and leasing agents who want to ensure that their properties are managed effectively and that tenants can meet their financial obligations. Leasing agents often use credit checks as part of their screening process, along with other factors such as rental history and income verification, to form a comprehensive view of a potential tenant’s financial reliability. While fair housing laws must be followed to prevent discrimination based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, familial status, or disability, the assessment of creditworthiness itself is generally acceptable as long as it is applied uniformly to all applicants. Tenants with poor credit may still have viable reasons for their financial history, but leasing agents are permitted to consider this factor when determining whether to accept an application. Nonetheless, it is important for agents to ensure they are acting within the confines of local, state, and federal regulations regarding fair housing practices when implementing such criteria.