Illinois Leasing Agent Practice Exam

What constitutes a violation of fair housing laws?

1. Setting higher rents based on race

2. Providing equal services to all tenants

3. Conducting routine inspections

4. Offering lease renewals

The correct answer is: Setting higher rents based on race

Setting higher rents based on race is a clear violation of fair housing laws because these laws are designed to promote equal housing opportunities and prohibit discrimination based on certain protected characteristics, including race, color, national origin, sex, disability, and familial status. Charging different rents based on a tenant's race directly contravenes these principles, as it discriminates against individuals and groups based on their racial identity. Fair housing laws aim to ensure that all individuals have access to housing without facing discrimination or unequal treatment. In contrast, providing equal services to all tenants, conducting routine inspections, and offering lease renewals are standard practices that are not inherently discriminatory. These actions are typically performed to maintain property standards, ensure tenant satisfaction, and uphold lease agreements, without regard to protected characteristics.