No preferences by protected class — even positive ones
Before you read
Test yourself first: 5 questions
Question 1 of 5
Which advertising phrase most clearly risks a fair-housing violation?
Answer: A. 'No kids/adults preferred' expresses a limitation by familial status. Describe the PROPERTY, not the desired occupants.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following advertising phrases is LEAST likely to violate fair housing advertising rules?
Answer: C. Describing physical property features ('walk-in closets and hardwood floors') is permissible, while references to children, adults, or maturity express a preference based on familial status or age.
Question 3 of 5
An ad that uses words or images suggesting a property is available only to people of a particular race, religion, or national origin most directly violates the:
Answer: B. The Fair Housing Act prohibits advertising that indicates any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on protected classes such as race, religion, or national origin.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following phrases in a rental advertisement would most likely be considered a violation of the Fair Housing Act?
Answer: B. 'Adults only, no kids allowed' expresses a preference against families with children, violating the familial-status protection. The other phrases describe the property neutrally.
Question 5 of 5
An advertisement that states a property's monthly payment amount but omits the down payment, term, and annual percentage rate is most likely a violation of which federal advertising rule?
Answer: A. Under TILA/Reg Z, stating a specific credit term such as the monthly payment amount triggers the requirement to also disclose the down payment, terms of repayment, and APR.
Keep the streak going with more questions like these, each with a full rationale.
Must-know rules
- Describe the PROPERTY, never the ideal PERSON ('walkable' ✓, 'perfect for young couples' ✗)
- No preferences by protected class — even positive ones
- 'Master bedroom' fine; 'Christian community' not
- Equal Housing logo/slogan in display advertising
- Human models in ads should reflect diversity
Fair Advertising — Describe the Property: FAQs
Is Fair Advertising — Describe the Property on the real estate exam?
Yes. Fair Housing & Ethics is a scored domain on the real estate licensing exam, and this topic appears in the national portion.
Is this cheat sheet free?
Yes — every page on Cinna RE's resource library is free to read, print and share. The app adds practice questions, mock exams and a readiness score.
