Small Talk with Clients costs Real Estate Agent Big Bucks
A Boston woman filled out an application to lease an apartment from a Massachusetts real estate agent. The agent noticed the woman had an accent so, to make conversation, he asked her, “Where are you from?”
She replied “Venezuela” and nothing else was said. The woman had no credit history so the landlord declined her application. The real estate agent never mentioned to the landlord that the prospective tenant was from Venezuela.
She applied again a short while later and was declined again by the landlord because of lack of credit history. Although she found another place to live, she was determined that the reason for her rejection was the real estate agent’s question about where she was from.
She filed a complaint with the Boston Fair Housing Commission saying the question was discriminatory and caused her to suffer from anxiety, fear, and sleeplessness.
Under Massachusetts law and Boston Fair Housing Commission Regulations, it is illegal for any licensed real estate broker “to cause to be made any written or oral inquiry or record concerning … national origin.” National origin is a protected class under Federal Fair Housing law. The agent was fined $60,000 including $10,000 for emotional distress.
This case is a good reminder that Real Estate Licensees need to be mindful of the things they say. What may be a friendly question in one culture may be an insult in another. Training Cove offers several classes on Fair Housing laws. Visit www.trainingcove.com for more information.
She applied again a short while later and was declined again by the landlord because of lack of credit history. Although she found another place to live, she was determined that the reason for her rejection was the real estate agent’s question about where she was from.
She filed a complaint with the Boston Fair Housing Commission saying the question was discriminatory and caused her to suffer from anxiety, fear, and sleeplessness.
Under Massachusetts law and Boston Fair Housing Commission Regulations, it is illegal for any licensed real estate broker “to cause to be made any written or oral inquiry or record concerning … national origin.” National origin is a protected class under Federal Fair Housing law. The agent was fined $60,000 including $10,000 for emotional distress.
This case is a good reminder that Real Estate Licensees need to be mindful of the things they say. What may be a friendly question in one culture may be an insult in another. Training Cove offers several classes on Fair Housing laws. Visit www.trainingcove.com for more information.
