Illinois Leasing Agent Practice Exam

When a property manager makes two buildings available to families with children, what practice is being exhibited?

1. Selling

2. Steering

3. Discrimination

4. Redlining

The correct answer is: Steering

The practice being exhibited when a property manager makes two buildings available to families with children is known as steering. Steering occurs when real estate agents or property managers guide potential tenants or buyers toward or away from certain areas based on characteristics like family status, race, or other protected classes. In this context, by only making two buildings available to families with children, the property manager is influencing where families can reside based on their familial status, which can perpetuate segregation and inequality in housing options. In the realm of fair housing laws, such behavior is not permissible, as it can limit access to housing based on family status and is considered discriminatory. This practice violates the Fair Housing Act, which is designed to prevent discrimination in housing based on factors such as familial status, and aims to ensure that families with children have equal access to housing opportunities.