Housing Counselor Certification (HUD) Practice Exam

What is the best action for a housing counselor to take when a client reports possible housing discrimination?

1. Advise the client to seek legal counsel

2. File a complaint online with HUD

3. Encourage the client to negotiate with the landlord

4. Suggest the client finds alternative housing

The correct answer is: File a complaint online with HUD

When a client reports possible housing discrimination, the most appropriate action for a housing counselor to take is to file a complaint online with HUD. This course of action is critical because the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is the federal agency responsible for enforcing the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. Filing a complaint with HUD initiates an official investigation into the discrimination claim. It ensures that the client's concerns are documented and addressed by the appropriate authority, providing them with a pathway to seek justice for any discriminatory practices they may have faced. In addition, HUD has established processes and resources available to assist individuals facing housing discrimination, making this option the most effective in advocating for the client's rights. While seeking legal counsel or negotiating with the landlord may also be viable recommendations depending on the situation, they do not directly engage the recognized authority responsible for housing discrimination. Suggesting a search for alternative housing may also not address the underlying issue of discrimination and could leave the client feeling unsupported in their immediate situation. Therefore, filing a complaint with HUD stands out as the best course of action because it enables formal resolution and protection against future discrimination.