EstatePass
Practice Of Real EstateFair HousingMEDIUM

James, a broker-in-charge at a Chattanooga real estate firm, notices that one of his affiliate brokers consistently shows Black homebuyers homes only in predominantly Black neighborhoods, even when those buyers express interest in homes in other areas. James does nothing to correct this practice. Under the Tennessee Human Rights Act, which party or parties may face liability?

Correct Answer

A) Both the affiliate broker and the broker-in-charge, because the BIC has supervisory responsibility under Tennessee law

Under Tennessee law, a broker-in-charge (BIC) has supervisory responsibility over affiliate brokers working under their license. When a BIC knows of — or should know of — a discriminatory practice by an affiliate broker and fails to take corrective action, the BIC may share liability for the violation. The affiliate broker is directly liable for engaging in racial steering, which violates the Tennessee Human Rights Act. Both parties can face disciplinary action by TREC and civil liability under state and federal fair housing law.

Answer Options
A
Both the affiliate broker and the broker-in-charge, because the BIC has supervisory responsibility under Tennessee law
B
Neither party, because steering is only illegal when directed by the seller rather than initiated by the agent
C
Only the broker-in-charge, because supervisory responsibility falls entirely on the BIC under Tennessee law
D
Only the affiliate broker, because the broker-in-charge is not responsible for the affiliate's independent actions

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:

racial_steeringbroker_in_chargesupervisory_liabilityracefair_housingprotected_classes

Related Concepts

A tie-in arrangement is an illegal antitrust practice in which a seller conditions the purchase of one product or service on the buyer's agreement to purchase a separate product or service.

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.

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