Illinois Residential Leasing Agent License Practice Exam

Steering refers to the practice of guiding prospective renters or buyers toward or away from certain neighborhoods or properties based on their race, ethnicity, or other protected characteristics. This practice is discriminatory and violates fair housing laws, which are designed to ensure equal opportunity in housing.

In the context of this question, refusing to show properties based on a client's race clearly exemplifies steering because it indicates a bias in how a leasing agent treats clients based on their racial background. This behavior not only restricts the client's options but also perpetuates segregation in housing, thus leading to serious allegations of discrimination.

Other activities, such as encouraging diverse living arrangements or promoting equal rental opportunities, work toward inclusivity and equality, whereas providing expansive listings aims to increase access to a variety of options for all clients. These practices align with fair housing principles. However, the act of refusing to show properties based on race contrasts sharply with these standards and is a direct violation of anti-discrimination laws.