Owner occupied buildings with no more than four units, single-family
housing sold or rented without the use of a broker and housing operated
by organization and private clubs that limit occupancy to members.
Fair housing laws prohibit making, printing or publishing a notice,
statement, or advertisement that indicates any preference, limitation,
or discrimination based on a protected class. Advertising must show
that all people and classes are being equally considered. Fair housing
laws address all types of statements newspaper, radio, magazines, and
television. All of the above including vacancy signs are advertising
and must not prohibit making any statement indicating a preference or
put limits on housing. There are some exemptions but it is advisable to
be sure that you are among those exceptions before you advertise
Images in Advertising. If you
customarily use advertising with photographs or drawings of people, try
to use men, women, children, people with disabilities, and people of
all races, nationalities and ages in a way that reflects the population
as a whole. A key is to be sure to use images that are representative
of society in general.
Language. Avoid using words or
phrases that show a preference or discourage anyone because of his or
her protected class. If you describe the property itself and not the
targeted audience, you are safer under fair housing laws. Make no
assumptions about the needs or desire of a protected class that may
seem to categorize them.
Marketing to a protected class .
Be careful with your language. Do not make assumptions about the need
of a group of people. It is best to objectively describe the property
and allow the prospective applicant to determine their needs, but it
can be mentioned that your unit has access for the disabled or that you
are near schools and playgrounds and that families are welcome. There
are other exceptions. It is advisable to always be careful and consult
with your attorney or apartment association.
The very best way to be sure that you are not interjecting your own
views of different classes or their needs is to develop a tenant
checklist and use the same questions for all people. Let
them tell you what they need or expect.
