Humber/Ontario Real Estate Course 3 Exam Practice

Who bears responsibility for ensuring informed consent is obtained when collecting personal information?

1. The salesperson alone bears the responsibility.

2. Informed consent is implied in all transactions.

3. Both the brokerage and salesperson share this responsibility.

4. No specific entity is responsible.

5. Only the brokerage is responsible.

6. Responsibility lies with relevant real estate boards.

The correct answer is: Both the brokerage and salesperson share this responsibility.

The correct answer emphasizes that both the brokerage and the salesperson share the responsibility for ensuring informed consent is obtained when collecting personal information. This is rooted in a fundamental principle of real estate practice, which underscores the importance of transparency and ethical handling of client data. In real estate transactions, personal information is often collected from clients, and it is vital that they understand what information is being collected, how it will be used, and who will have access to it. The brokerage, as the overseeing entity, has procedures and policies in place to guide ethical practices, while the salesperson, who interacts directly with clients, plays a critical role in ensuring that these policies are communicated properly. The joint responsibility ensures a higher standard of care and reinforces ethical obligations within the industry, which is crucial for maintaining trust and credibility with clients. Both parties must work collaboratively to safeguard personal information and ensure clients are fully informed before they consent to the collection and use of their data. Other options imply that responsibility lies solely with one entity or that various parties are not accountable, which does not reflect the joint obligation that exists in real estate transactions. This shared responsibility is fundamental to compliance with privacy laws and ethical standards within the industry.