Professional Ethics & Standards Flashcards

Which of the following is NOT a protected class under the federal Fair Housing Act?

Answer: Occupation

The Fair Housing Act protects race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability—not occupation.

A REALTOR® shares a confidential owner instruction about the lowest acceptable rent with a prospective tenant. Which duty is breached?

Answer: Duty of confidentiality to the client

Revealing a client's confidential negotiating position violates the REALTOR®'s duty to protect client interests.

Under the Code, when a dispute over commission arises between REALTORS® in different firms, what is generally required?

Answer: Mediation or arbitration through the association

Article 17 requires REALTORS® to arbitrate contractual disputes through the association rather than litigate.

A leasing agent tells a Spanish-speaking applicant that only English-speaking applicants are approved. What is the problem?

Answer: It likely constitutes national origin discrimination

Language-based exclusions can serve as a proxy for national origin discrimination under fair housing law.

A residential leasing specialist is unsure about a complex legal issue in a lease dispute. What is the ethical action?

Answer: Recommend that the client seek legal counsel

Article 13 prohibits unauthorized practice of law and calls for recommending legal counsel when in the client's interest.

A property manager collects rent and discovers an accounting error in the owner's favor that shortchanged the tenant. What should they do?

Answer: Correct the error and refund the tenant promptly

REALTORS® must deal honestly with all parties and properly account for all funds held.

Which marketing practice is consistent with fair housing advertising guidelines?

Answer: Including the Equal Housing Opportunity logo or statement

HUD encourages the Equal Housing Opportunity logo or slogan to signal compliance with fair housing law.