Many recently have inquired about whether it is OK to advertise apartment housing with wording that relates to families—children, kids, kid-friendly and the like.
The answer to that question is “yes!” It is perfectly acceptable—and more importantly, fair housing compliant—to advertise in favor of people with children and people with disabilities.
How can that be, you might ask. It is acceptable because people without children and people without disabilities have no fair housing protection. Thus affirmative advertising based on familial status and disability is just fine.
Keep in mind, however, that this is not the case for any of the other federally protected classes. For example, you cannot advertise in favor of a particular race, because all races have protection; you cannot advertise in favor of a particular religion, because all religions (and even those who ascribe to no religious beliefs) are protected.
So go ahead and refer to children and kids, and show them in your marketing photos. Affirmatively reach out to those with disabilities and show folks with visible disabilities in your ads, as well. Not only is this acceptable; such outreach on your behalf could help you defend against a claim that you discriminate against people with children or disabilities.
Source: Nadeen Green is Senior Counsel, For Rent Media Solutions. She can be reached at 770/801-2406 or
nadeen.green@forrent.com. This item originally appeared as a blog on
www.Multifamilyinsiders.com.