How to Recognize Housing Recognizing Discrimination

How to Recognize Housing Discrimination?

Don’t be fooled by a smile and a handshake. Learn to recognize the signs of discrimination in rentals, sales, leases, mortgage lending, property appraisals, home -owner insurance, and real estate services.

The message may be a subtle as:

	" We don't have any service available for people in wheelchairs."
	" Your children won't have anyone to play with here."
	" I would love to have you as a tenant but you have a seeing eye
	dog and we have a strict 'No Pets Policy'."
	" There isn't anyone else here who speaks Spanish so you might feel
	uncomfortable living here."
	" We don't make loans in the area where the house you are buying
	is located."

And involves Homes, Apartments, Condominiums, Housing Cooperatives and Mobile Homes. And all terms and conditions relating to the enjoyment of housing.

ADVERTISING GUIDELINES

It shall be unlawful to make, print, or publish or cause to be made any notice, statement or advertisement, with respect to the sale or rental of a dwelling that indicates any preference, limitation, (exclusion) or discrimination based on race, color religion, sex, handicap/disability, familial status, or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.

Advertising agencies, newspapers, sales firms, realtors and management companies, as well as their clients, are subject to the provisions of the Fair Housing Laws.

The law applies to:

	Classified Ads
	Display Ads
	Inserts
	Or any other type of real estate or rental advertising
	And the selective placing of advertisements

It applies to any type of advertising or written material:

	Brochures
	Direct Mailing
	Radio or television ads
	MLS listings
	Posters
	Billboards
	Application forms
	Or other documents, signs or videos

This prohibition against discriminatory advertising applies to single family homes and owner occupied housing that is otherwise exempt from the Fair Housing Act.

Humans models in photographs, drawings or other graphics may not be used to indicate exclusiveness because of national origin, race, color, religion, sex, disability or familial status.

	Models should be clearly definable as reasonably representing majority
	and minority groups in the metropolitan area

	Both sexes and when appropriate, families with children

	Models, if used, should portray persons in an equal social setting and
	indicate to the general public that the housing is open to all

USE OF WORDS:

	Real estate advertisements should not have words that state or imply a
	preference or limitation

	Advertisers and publishers should avoid offensive and marginal
	expressions

	Some words or phrases are clearly red flags and may imply a preference
	or limitation for or against one of the protected classes

THESE WORDS ARE RED FLAG AND MAY INDICATE A PREFERENCE OR LIMITATION ON THE AVAILABILITY OF HOUSING.

RED FLAGS
Adult living	Religious symbols
Adult community	Christian Cross
Adult Building	Jewish Star
No Children	National Flag
Singles Only	Male or Female Symbol
For Mature Adults
For Active Adults	Acceptable
Mature citizens discount 45+	Exceptions to no-pets policy
Adult Living 50+	Gated community
Hispanic Area	Parks nearby
Christian female to share Apt.	Near Houses of worship
Prefer bright healthy person	Quiet Residential Area
Male or Female only	Housing for Older Persons
Restrictive	Handicap accessible
Catholic Church nearby	Senior complex
Near Synagogue	Private Club
Chinese Businesses Area	55+ Community

ROOMMATES:

If the housing is an apartment or house with a shared common living area, or is a dormitory in an educational institution, a preference for sex may be advertised. However, if there is no common living space (i.e. a mother-in-law apt. or basement apt.), no preference can be advertised. NO OTHER PREFERENCE IS ACCEPTABLE IN ROOMMATE ADVERTISING (i.e. "Christian female to share apartment" is prohibited).

HOUSING FOR OLDER PERSONS:

Housing for older persons meeting federal regulation may advertise a preference for age. Phrases such as "55+ Community", "Senior Complex" and "Housing for Older Persons" may be used. NO OTHER PREFERENCE IS ALLOWED IN HOUSING FOR OLDER PERSONS ADVERTISING.

Home • Fair Housing Laws • Covered Housing • Violations • Recognize Discrimination • Penalties for Violations • Filing a Complaint • Conciliation • Design and Construction • Training and Resources • Questions and Answers • Analysis of Impediments • Links • Contact Us

Lee County Office of Equal Opportunity

2115 Second Street, 4th Floor

Fort Myers, Fl 33901

Telephone: (239) 533-2267 Fax: (239) 485-2262

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Revised: 05/08/07