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Practice Of Real EstateFair_housingHARD

An Idaho licensee's seller client instructs her to screen buyers by asking about their country of birth and to avoid showing the property to anyone who 'doesn't seem American.' The licensee complies and later claims she was just following her client's instructions. Under the Idaho Fair Housing Act and IREC licensing rules, which of the following best describes the licensee's legal exposure?

Correct Answer

B) The licensee may face fair housing liability and IREC disciplinary action because following a client's discriminatory instructions is not a defense.

Under the Idaho Fair Housing Act (Idaho Code § 67-5909 et seq.) and IREC licensing regulations, following a client's discriminatory instructions is not a valid defense for a licensee. National origin is a protected class under Idaho law, and a licensee who actively participates in discriminatory screening—regardless of who gave the instruction—is personally liable for fair housing violations. IREC may also impose disciplinary action, including license suspension or revocation, for conduct that violates fair housing law. Fiduciary duty does not extend to carrying out unlawful instructions.

Answer Options
A
The licensee has no liability because she was following lawful client instructions as required by her fiduciary duty.
B
The licensee may face fair housing liability and IREC disciplinary action because following a client's discriminatory instructions is not a defense.
C
The licensee is protected from liability because national origin discrimination claims must be filed only with HUD, not with IREC.
D
The licensee has no liability because the seller, not the agent, is the party who gave the discriminatory instruction.

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

fair_housingnational_originlicensee_liabilitydiscriminatory_instructionsirec_discipline

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