Massachusetts Real Estate License Practice Test

What obligation does an owner have during a condo conversion regarding protected classes?

1. Notify them of market value

2. Assist in finding comparable housing

3. Provide a cash incentive only

4. Offer lower rents

The correct answer is: Assist in finding comparable housing

During a condo conversion, the obligation of an owner towards protected classes centers around the responsibility to assist in finding comparable housing. This is part of ensuring that individuals from these classes are not unfairly disadvantaged by the conversion process, which often leads to displacement. When a condominium conversion occurs, there might be existing tenants in the property, and some of these tenants may belong to protected classes as outlined in fair housing laws. Assisting these tenants in finding comparable housing can help mitigate the impact of the conversion, ensuring that they have the opportunity to secure alternative accommodations that meet their needs. This support aligns with the principles of fair housing, which aim to prevent discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, familial status, disability, and religion. Other options are less relevant to the legal and ethical obligations during a condo conversion. Simply notifying tenants of market value does not offer any practical assistance in finding housing. Providing cash incentives might not ensure a fair housing transition, and merely offering lower rents does not necessarily help tenants who may still be displaced. Therefore, assisting in finding comparable housing is the most appropriate and responsible obligation an owner would have in this scenario.