The penalty an Administration Law Judge can issue for violating the fair housing act is dependent on what factor(s)?

The penalty an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) can issue for violating the Fair Housing Act is primarily influenced by the number of previous violations the agent has committed. This factor is crucial because the Fair Housing Act emphasizes not just the act of discrimination itself but also the intent and the history of the agent's conduct. A greater number of previous violations may indicate a pattern of discriminatory behavior, leading to more severe penalties aimed at deterring future violations and promoting compliance with fair housing laws.

Previous violations are assessed to determine a respondent's accountability and to reflect the importance of upholding and maintaining fair housing standards. This systematic approach ensures that penalties are proportionate to the wrongdoing and that they effectively deter individuals and organizations from continuing or repeating such discriminatory practices.

Considering the other options, the market value of the property, commission rates charged, and the size of the agency do not directly correlate with the nature of the violation or the intent behind the actions taken against individuals or entities that violate the Fair Housing Act. Thus, the focus on past violations provides a structured and just basis for imposing penalties.