EstatePass
Practice Of Real EstateFair HousingEASY

Maria, a real estate salesperson in Newport, is showing a home to a prospective buyer. During the conversation, the buyer mentions that he is in a same-sex relationship. Maria later informs the seller that she will not be presenting the buyer's offer because of the buyer's sexual orientation. Under Rhode Island law, Maria has most likely:

Correct Answer

A) Violated the Rhode Island Fair Housing Practices Act, which protects sexual orientation as a covered class.

Rhode Island's Fair Housing Practices Act (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-37) explicitly prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation in the sale or rental of housing. By refusing to present an offer based on the buyer's sexual orientation, Maria has violated § 34-37, regardless of whether federal law covers this class.

Answer Options
A
Violated the Rhode Island Fair Housing Practices Act, which protects sexual orientation as a covered class.
B
Acted lawfully, because a salesperson may exercise discretion in presenting offers to sellers.
C
Acted lawfully, because sexual orientation is not a protected class under the federal Fair Housing Act.
D
Violated only her broker's internal policy, not any state or federal law.

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Deep Analysis of This Practice Of Real Estate Question

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Background Knowledge for Practice Of Real Estate

Sign up free to unlock full analysis
Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Real World Application in Practice Of Real Estate

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Practice Of Real Estate Questions

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

fair_housingsexual_orientationstate_protected_classesoffer_presentation

Related Concepts

A trust account, also called an escrow account, is a separate bank account maintained by a broker to hold funds belonging to others, such as earnest money deposits, security deposits, or other client funds.

Advertising regulations govern how real estate licensees may market properties and services, requiring truthful, non-deceptive advertising that includes proper identification of the brokerage.

Antitrust violations in real estate occur when competing brokerages or agents engage in practices that restrain trade, reduce competition, or harm consumers through collusion. These violations are governed by the Sherman Antitrust Act and can result in severe penalties.

Was this explanation helpful?

More Practice Of Real Estate Questions

People Also Study

Related Articles

Practice More Questions

Access 2,000+ practice questions and pass your real estate exam.

Start Practicing