Boston Real Estate Experiences Ad Discrimination

Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended, prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women, and people securing custody of children under the age of 18), and handicap (disability).

The Massachusetts Attorney General stated, “From billboards lining the roads to television, radio, Internet, and print media, advertisements pervade our everyday lives. Some ads, such as ads for rental properties, relate to the most basic of needs: finding a place for you or your family to live. Unfortunately, language used in some housing ads is illegal, preventing individuals and families of certain characteristics from even being given a chance to apply for an apartment. Every individual and family in the Commonwealth is ensured the right to seek and secure housing of their choice free from unlawful discrimination.

Whether advertised in print or online, it is illegal to make statements regarding the rental or sale of property that state a preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, ancestry, children, marital status, disability, or because someone receives public assistance, such as Section 8 housing vouchers.

Attorney General Martha Coakley’s office (AGO) works actively to uphold fair housing laws, prosecute violations and end discrimination in the Commonwealth. Recently, the AGO obtained a consent judgment against Shopper’s Guide newspaper of Great Barrington, MA, resolving allegations that it published property advertisements that violated anti-discrimination laws. The judgment provides a broad range of relief and preventive measures to ensure Shopper’s Guide’s future compliance with state and federal fair housing laws.

Discriminatory advertisements are not limited to print. As the result of a statewide investigation into reports of widespread discriminatory Internet advertising, the AGO filed lawsuits and settled cases against several landlords and real estate agents accused making discriminatory statements in rental ads on Craigslist.org. The AGO continues to monitor Craigslist to hold accountable those who post discriminatory ads.

For additional information on housing discrimination and how to file a complaint with the AGO please visit the Civil Rights portion of the Attorney General’s website.”

 Print This Post