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King County Office of Civil Rights

ADVERTISING TIPS


With respect to advertising, Section 3604(c) of the Fair Housing Act states:
"It shall be unlawful... to make, print or publish, or cause to be made, printed or published any notice, statement, or advertisement, with respect to the sale or rental of a dwelling that indicates any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination."
State and local laws in Washington include additional protected classes, such as sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity, veteran/military status, age, participation in the Section 8 program, and political ideology.

The following is a list of words or phrases that are unacceptable when used as preferences or exclusions. This list is by no means complete:
adults only
bachelor
Christian home
couple
exclusive
Ideal for physically fit person
private community
integrated
mature
membership approval
must be able to live independently
no children
no children over 12
no Jews
no Mexicans
no playground for children
no wheelchairs
not suitable for disabled
one person
perfect for retired
perfect for seniors
religious landmark
restricted
singles only
white family home


The following is a list of words or phrases that are acceptable:
apartment community with chapel
cozy
desirable neighborhood
disabled welcome
families welcome
family room
female roommate wanted (if the roommate will share living space)
55+ (for HOPA communities)
fourth-floor walk-up
great view
jogging trails
kosher meals available
master bedroom
no bicycles allowed
non-smoking
private drive
quiet streets
rare find
section 8 welcome
sober
walk to bus stop
walk-in closets
wheelchair accessible
wheelchair ramp

Read an associated article from the Puget Sound Business Journal, 12-13-99 issue:  "Discouraging Words" by Sean Robinson (external link)

If you have questions about Fair Housing laws and enforcement, contact the King County Office of Civil Rights at 206-296-7592 or 206-296-7596 TTY.

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Updated: Feb. 20, 2008

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