“When advertising a rental, can I say it’s best for tenants with no kids?”
March 17, 2023
Q: I have a client that owns a rental property above an office space. Because of that, she wants to advertise that it’s for single professionals or couples. How can she advertise that?
A: Fair housing law prohibits advertising a property using any language that indicates a preference, limitation, or discrimination on the basis of a protected class. As familial status is a protected class, you would definitely not want to include any language in the ad that specifically excludes renters with children. The safest thing to remember when advertising a property is to focus on the property itself, not the people whom you want to live there. It would be fine to specifically state that the property is above a business, but you wouldn’t want to go further than that.
What is the Legal Hotline?
The Legal Hotline is a member benefit that has been supporting members for over 25 years. Our team of lawyers answers your important questions about real estate transactions quickly and accurately (usually within three business hours!).
Bonus! Here are some tips to help make the Legal Hotline work for you!
Information accurate as of 03/17/23
You might also like…
Legal Update: Touring Agreement Legislation
By Santiago Montalvo - February 6, 2025
Touring Agreement Legislation – House Bill 1684 / Senate Bill 1309 The General Assembly is currently in the process of making a big change in the duties of… Read More
“A prospective buyer asked if a death had occurred on my seller’s property—must we provide that information?”
By Ryan Leonard - February 3, 2025
*Please note: Any questions regarding Legal Hotline Spotlights should be submitted via the Virginia REALTORS® Legal Hotline. Our attorneys are unable to respond to questions through our comments section. Q:… Read More
“What can I do when a rental applicant’s low credit score is a result of a disability?”
By Jon Haley - January 28, 2025
*Please note: Any questions regarding Legal Hotline Spotlights should be submitted via the Virginia REALTORS® Legal Hotline. Our attorneys are unable to respond to questions through our comments section. Q:… Read More