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Laws Of Agency Fiduciary DutiesAgency_types_and_creationMEDIUM

A seller instructs their California listing agent to decline showings to prospective buyers of a specific ethnic background. Which response best describes the agent's legal obligation?

Correct Answer

C) Refuse the instruction, inform the seller it violates fair housing laws, and withdraw from the listing if the seller insists

Under the federal Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. §3604) and California's Fair Employment and Housing Act (Government Code §12955) and Unruh Civil Rights Act (Civil Code §51), discrimination based on race or ethnicity in the sale or rental of housing is illegal. An agent's fiduciary duty of obedience does not extend to unlawful instructions. The agent must refuse, advise the seller of the legal violation, and withdraw from the listing if the seller persists.

Answer Options
A
Follow the instruction, since the seller controls access to their own property
B
Follow the instruction only if the seller provides the request in writing, which shifts liability to the seller
C
Refuse the instruction, inform the seller it violates fair housing laws, and withdraw from the listing if the seller insists
D
Seek a second opinion from the broker before deciding whether to comply or refuse

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

fair_housingdiscriminatory_instructionillegal_orderagent_obligation
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