What should licensees do if they suspect a fair housing violation?

• A. Report to their supervisor or compliance program and HUD if necessary; document and avoid discrimination in the future.
• B. Ignore it to avoid conflict.
• C. Immediately terminate the suspected violator.
• D. File a lawsuit themselves.

Answer: (A)

When a licensee suspects a fair housing violation, the proper course is to report it through the organization’s supervision or compliance program and, if needed, to HUD, while thoroughly documenting what happened and ensuring steps are taken to prevent future discrimination. This approach channels the concern to the right investigators within the system, maintains accountability, and provides a clear trail of facts for any review or enforcement action. Documenting the details—what was observed, when, where, who was involved, and any communications—helps protect everyone and supports a fair, objective resolution. If the issue warrants broader action, HUD can be notified to initiate formal review, but the initial move should come through the established internal process rather than unilateral actions. Ignoring the concern, terminating someone on your own, or pursuing a lawsuit yourself do not align with proper procedures and can expose the licensee to liability and ongoing risk.