Under FHA guidelines, is discriminatory misrepresentation in housing advertising allowed?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only in rural areas
• D. Only with permission

Answer: (B)

Discriminatory misrepresentation in housing advertising is illegal under the Fair Housing Act. The Act forbids any advertising that expresses a preference, limitation, or discrimination based on protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability. This means ads in any form—print, online, radio, or signs—that suggest a property is not available to certain groups or that certain groups are preferred are prohibited. The rule applies everywhere, with no exception for rural areas or for giving “permission.” Advertisers must present housing opportunities in a neutral, non-discriminatory way, describing the property and its features without excluding or signaling bias toward any group. If you encounter such advertising, it’s a violation and can be reported to HUD.