National Real Estate Exam (PSI)Practice of Real EstateEasy
A real estate ad for a rental property states, 'Perfect for a Christian family, walking distance to church.' Under the federal Fair Housing Act, this advertisement is most likely:
- AIllegal, because it expresses a preference based on religion and familial status
- BLegal, as long as the landlord does not actually reject other applicants
- CIllegal only if no non-Christian family ever applies for the unit
- DLegal, because it simply describes a nearby amenity
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Illegal, because it expresses a preference based on religion and familial status
The Fair Housing Act prohibits advertisements that indicate a preference, limitation, or discrimination based on protected classes, including religion and familial status. Even without intent to discriminate in practice, the wording itself violates the Act.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. The violation is in the wording of the ad itself, not just in actual rejection of applicants.
- C. Advertising violations occur based on the language used, not on whether a particular applicant is ultimately rejected.
- D. Describing the neighborhood is fine, but 'perfect for a Christian family' expresses a religious preference, which is prohibited.
Discriminatory Advertising Language
Fair housing law prohibits any advertisement, notice, or statement that indicates a preference, limitation, or discrimination based on a protected class, regardless of the advertiser's actual intent.
- Applies to print, online, and verbal advertising
- Violation exists even if no one is actually denied housing
- HUD advertising guidelines list examples of prohibited words and phrases
Memory trick: If the words hint at who belongs, the ad is on trial.