Minnesota State Real Estate Practice Test

Which action might qualify someone as aiding a discriminatory act?

1. Providing a reference to a potential tenant

2. Coercing another into discriminatory behavior

3. Advertising for a property

4. Offering rental discounts

The correct answer is: Coercing another into discriminatory behavior

Coercing another into discriminatory behavior constitutes aiding a discriminatory act because it directly influences someone's actions to perpetuate discrimination against individuals based on protected characteristics, such as race, gender, or religion. This influence can include pressuring someone to deny housing or make employment decisions that are not in line with fair housing regulations. In this context, coercion undermines the principles of equality and non-discrimination upheld by fair housing laws, highlighting the importance of personal accountability in preventing discrimination. In contrast, the other actions listed may not necessarily imply direct involvement in discriminatory behavior. Providing a reference to a potential tenant could simply be a personal opinion about someone's reliability as a tenant. Advertising for a property typically involves promoting the property without inherently discriminating against specific groups unless particular language is used to indicate a preference or exclusion. Offering rental discounts is often a tool used to attract tenants and does not innately discriminate unless it is applied selectively based on protected characteristics.