An agent listed a house and was told by the seller not to show his home to anyone who is not a U.S. citizen. Which statement is TRUE?

An agent listed a house and was told by the seller not to show his home to anyone who is not a U.S. citizen. Which statement is TRUE?

• A. The agent must show the house to anyone who wishes to see it if they qualify for financing
• B. The agent may refuse to show to non-citizens
• C. The agent should refer the matter to the local housing authority
• D. The agent can only show to citizens who have financing

Answer: (A)

Discrimination in housing based on national origin or citizenship status is illegal under the Fair Housing Act. An instruction from the seller to exclude non-citizens tries to do just that, so the agent should not follow it. The agent’s duty is to treat all prospective buyers the same and show the property to anyone who is financially qualified to purchase. If someone can qualify for financing, they should be allowed to view the home, regardless of citizenship. The other options would either promote illegal discrimination or misapply procedures (referring to a housing authority or restricting viewing to citizens with financing).

Discrimination in housing based on national origin or citizenship status is illegal under the Fair Housing Act. An instruction from the seller to exclude non-citizens tries to do just that, so the agent should not follow it. The agent’s duty is to treat all prospective buyers the same and show the property to anyone who is financially qualified to purchase. If someone can qualify for financing, they should be allowed to view the home, regardless of citizenship. The other options would either promote illegal discrimination or misapply procedures (referring to a housing authority or restricting viewing to citizens with financing).