Which type of advertising is prohibited under the FHA?

• A. Advertising Neutral Language
• B. Advertising That Lists All Applicants Who Meet General Criteria
• C. Advertising That Indicates A Preference Based On Protected Characteristics
• D. Advertising That Mentions Location And Price Only

Answer: (C)

Indicating a preference for or against people based on protected characteristics is prohibited under the Fair Housing Act. The Act forbids discrimination in housing because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. When an advertisement says it prefers or excludes someone because of one of those traits, it signals a discriminatory motive and blocks equal opportunity for buyers or renters.

In contrast, neutral advertising that describes location, price, or general criteria without referencing protected characteristics is allowed, as long as it applies equally to everyone. Statements listing all applicants who meet neutral criteria are permissible when they don’t filter or imply a preference for a protected class, and ads that focus only on location and price, without implying any preference, are typically fine.