Examples of Discriminatory Advertisements

Although not an exhaustive list, these examples should give you some idea of what might constitute a discriminatory housing advertisement under fair housing laws. Most of these examples are obvious and should come as no surprise, but it never hurts to have a short refresher on this important topic.

1. Race/Color

• Ads stating a preference for the race of a desired applicant (e.g., “no blacks,” “whites only,” etc.)

• Ads describing the race of current occupants of the complex or neighborhood (e.g., “African-American neighborhood,” “most residents are Asian,” “lots of Hispanic families,” etc.)

2. Religion

• Ads stating a preference for the religion of a desired applicant (e.g., “Christians only,” “no Muslims,” etc.)

• Ads describing the religion of current occupants of the complex or neighborhood (e.g., “nice, Christian neighborhood,” “Jewish family seeks roommate,” etc.)

3. National Origin

• Ads stating a preference for a certain national origin (e.g., “no immigrants,” “no foreigners,” “Irish preferred,” etc.)

• Ads posted only in a language other than English

• Ads describing the national origin of current occupants of the complex or neighborhood (e.g., “predominately Latino neighborhood,” “mostly Asian residents,” etc.)

4. Handicap/Disability

• Ads stating a preference for able-bodied tenants (e.g., “no wheelchairs,” “must be able to live independently,” etc.)

• Ads describing the complex as unable to accommodate people with disabilities (e.g., “units are not accessible”, “no pets, even seeing eye dogs”, etc.)

5. Familial Status

• Ads stating a clear preference for families without children (e.g., “no children,” “no kids and no pets,” “single occupancy only,” etc.)

• Ads that could discourage families with children (e.g., “ideal for working professionals,” “perfect for single or couple,” “nice, quiet, mature, neighborhood,” etc.)

6. Sex/Gender

• Ads stating a preference for one sex over another (e.g., “no young men,” “female preferred,” etc.)

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