Fair Housing Laws

"The Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, leasing and financing of housing, as well as discriminatory advertising, on the basis of Race, Sex, Color, Religion, National Origin, Mental or Physical Handicap, or Familial Status. In addition to these categories, the State of Oregon also prohibits discrimination based on Marital Status. (Our local jurisdictions also have specific applicable regulations.)

"These laws cover any potential or actual sale, lease, rental, eviction, price, terms, privileges or any service in relation to the sale of or use of housing. They not only prohibit advertisements which clearly restrict access to housing based on the protected categories, but also prohibit advertisements which indicate a preference for or against a person based on a protected category. In particular circumstances, use of colloquialisms, symbols or directions to real estate for sale or rent may indicate a discriminatory preference.

"It is the intent and goal of this website to have each advertiser who wishes to place a coveted advertisement on the website comply with the Fair Housing laws. Any advertisement which is perceived to contain language contrary to these laws, will be rejected or changed to remove the offending reference. There may be situations where it is not clear whether particular language is objectionable. Such advertisements should be referred to a supervisor for consideration and determination. Under certain circumstances, advertisers may claim that because of the nature of the housing being advertised, they are not subject to the Fair Housing Laws. Such claims are irrelevant for purposes of considering advertisements for publication on this website. Every housing advertisement, published on this website is subject to the Fair Housing laws."