Some Examples of Discriminatory Advertisements in Real Estate

As every real estate professional should already know, the Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin and disability. Fair housing laws prohibit making, printing or publishing any notice, statement, or advertisement that indicates any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on a protected class.

Although not an exhaustive list, the following are a few examples of what might constitute a discriminatory housing advertisement.

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.)

********************************************

To learn more about Fair Housing issues (and many other topics affecting Michigan real estate professionals), please visit us at www.123ConEd.com. 123 ConEd LLC (www.123ConEd.com) is a leading online provider of continuing education courses to real estate professionals in Michigan. Our online Michigan real estate con ed courses are fully approved and properly certified by the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth. All of our courses are designed to offer our students the most information, as quickly and economically as possible.

Copyright © 123 ConEd LLC 2009. All rights reserved.