EstatePass
Practice Of Real EstateFair_housingMEDIUM

James, a licensed broker in Seattle, is helping a landlord screen rental applicants. The landlord asks James to reject any applicant whose rental application shows they receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) as their primary income source. The landlord argues this is about financial qualification, not discrimination. Under Seattle's local ordinances, James should advise the landlord that this policy is most likely:

Correct Answer

A) Unlawful, because SSDI recipients are protected under Seattle's source-of-income ordinance and disability protections

Rejecting an applicant because their income comes from SSDI implicates two separate protections in Seattle. First, Seattle's source-of-income ordinance prohibits discrimination based on the type or source of lawful income, including government disability benefits. Second, SSDI recipients are individuals with disabilities, a class protected under both federal law (Fair Housing Act) and Washington State's RCW 49.60. Using SSDI as a disqualifying income source would likely constitute discrimination on both grounds. James must advise the landlord that this blanket policy is unlawful under Seattle's local ordinances and applicable fair housing law.

Answer Options
A
Unlawful, because SSDI recipients are protected under Seattle's source-of-income ordinance and disability protections
B
Lawful, because Washington State's RCW 49.60 permits income-source screening as a neutral business practice
C
Unlawful, only because disability is a federally protected class under the Fair Housing Act
D
Lawful, because financial qualification criteria are always a valid basis for rejection under fair housing 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_housingseattlesource_of_incomedisabilityssdilocal_ordinancescreening

Related Concepts

The National Do Not Call Registry is a federal program administered by the FTC that allows consumers to opt out of receiving unsolicited telemarketing calls, including calls from real estate agents soliciting business.

Brokers in Florida have strict responsibilities for managing escrow accounts, including monthly reconciliation and proper handling of trust funds.

FREC has the authority to impose fines and other disciplinary actions on licensees who violate real estate laws and rules.

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