What are the specific requirements for advertising under Fair Housing Law?

The Massachusetts Fair Housing Law prohibits discrimination in the sale and rental of housing based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability, familial status or military status. When advertising housing, it’s important for landlords and real estate professionals to follow the statutory requirements of the Fair Housing Law. Generally, housing advertisements must indicate that households of all protected classes are welcome to apply. For example, an advertisement must include language stating that all qualified applicants will be considered, regardless of their membership in a protected class. Additionally, language which implies a preference for certain classes of people (i.e. ‘ideal for single professionals’) is prohibited. Landlords and real estate professionals must also refrain from using any language which could be considered offensive, such as racial slurs or language which suggests a preference for certain classes of people. Additionally, landlords and real estate professionals should use only gender-neutral language, such as ‘they’ instead of ‘he’ or ‘she’, when advertising housing units. In order to ensure compliance with the Fair Housing Law, it is important for landlords and real estate professionals to review their current advertising materials and revise them to include language that is compliant with the Fair Housing Law. Doing so can help protect landlords and real estate professionals from potential liability for housing discrimination.

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What are the specific requirements for advertising under Fair Housing Law?

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