A seller instructs their listing broker to advertise a property only to buyers of a specific national origin and to refuse showings to all others. The broker wants to maintain the client relationship. What is the broker's legal obligation under Georgia fair housing law?

Correct Answer

A) The broker must refuse the instruction because licensees may not advertise or show property in a discriminatory manner, regardless of client directives.

Under the federal Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. § 3604), the Georgia Fair Housing Act (O.C.G.A. § 8-3-202), and GREC licensing rules, a real estate licensee is independently liable for discriminatory conduct. A client's instruction does not create a defense or exemption. Brokers have an affirmative duty to refuse to participate in discriminatory advertising or showing practices, and following such instructions can result in both fair housing penalties and GREC disciplinary action against the license.