Fair Housing & Advertising

Are You Using the Logo Correctly?

Fair Housing compliance begins long before an application is submitted. In fact, one of the most overlooked compliance areas is advertising.

Whether you manage LIHTC, HUD, HOME, or any combination of funding, your marketing materials must comply with the Fair Housing Act.

What Does the Fair Housing Act Require?

The Fair Housing Act (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968) prohibits discrimination in housing based on:

• Race

• Color

• Religion

• Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation)

• National Origin

• Disability

• Familial Status

Advertising that indicates a preference, limitation, or discrimination against any

protected class is a violation — even if discrimination was not intended.

Where Does the Fair Housing Logo Requirement Come From?

While the Fair Housing Act itself prohibits discriminatory advertising, HUD guidance establishes expectations for displaying the Equal Housing Opportunity logo or statement.

To reinforce compliance, HUD requires the use of:

• The Equal Housing Opportunity logo;

• The Equal Housing Opportunity slogan; and/or

• The Equal Housing Opportunity statement

What Must Include the Fair Housing Logo?

24 CFR Part 200 Subpart M states that Fair Housing requirements apply to all marketing efforts, including but not limited to:

• Property websites

• Online rental listings (Zillow, Apartments.com, etc.)

• Social media advertisements

• Print advertisements

• Brochures and flyers

• Leasing office signage

• Email marketing campaigns

If it promotes housing availability, it must comply.

What Does “Compliant Advertising” Look Like?

To demonstrate compliance:

1. Include the Equal Housing Opportunity logo on all advertisements.

2. Use nondiscriminatory language.

3. Avoid phrases that suggest preference (e.g., “perfect for singles,” “ideal for young professionals,” “no kids,” etc.).

4. Ensure images reflect diversity and do not imply exclusion.

5. Maintain consistency across all platforms.

Consistency is key. If your website includes the logo but your rental listings do not, you may still receive a finding.

Common Audit Findings We See

As someone who has conducted compliance reviews, common advertising findings include:

• Missing Fair Housing logos on websites

• Online listings without Equal Housing Opportunity language

• Marketing templates that were never updated

• Social media ads missing required disclosures

While these mistakes may be unintentional — they are still violations under the Fair Housing Act.

Why This Matters

Fair Housing compliance is not just a regulatory requirement — it protects your funding, your reputation, and your residents.

Advertising violations can lead to:

• Compliance findings

• Corrective action plans

• Fair Housing complaints

• Civil penalties

Strong compliance starts with consistent processes.

Final Thoughts

If you have not recently reviewed your marketing materials, now is the time.

Ask yourself:

• Is the Fair Housing logo on every advertising platform?

• Are our templates updated?

• Are our third-party listing services compliant?

Fair Housing applies to all marketing — not just tenant files.

If you are unsure whether your property’s advertising meets requirements, Simply Compliance can help you review and strengthen your marketing compliance practices.