Housing Counselor Certification (HUD) Practice Exam

When assisting a low-income client in danger of eviction, which referral would be the most appropriate?

1. Community health services

2. Legal aid services

3. Psychological counseling

4. Financial planning services

The correct answer is: Legal aid services

Referring a low-income client in danger of eviction to legal aid services is the most appropriate action because this type of service is specifically designed to help individuals navigate legal issues related to housing and eviction. Legal aid can provide crucial assistance, including representation in court, advice on tenant rights, and support in negotiating with landlords. Eviction often involves complex legal processes, and clients may not have the knowledge or resources to effectively defend themselves against eviction notices. Legal aid services are equipped to handle such situations, understanding the laws and protections that pertain to tenants. While community health services, psychological counseling, and financial planning services have their importance, they do not specifically address the immediate legal challenges of eviction. Health services might be beneficial for overall well-being, psychological counseling can support mental health, and financial planning can assist with budgeting or managing expenses, but none of these directly provide the legal support necessary to address the risk of eviction. Thus, legal aid services are the focused and effective referral for someone facing the threat of losing their housing.