Illegal Rental Ad Language in Georgia: A Guide for Renters

Looking for a rental in Georgia can be stressful, especially if you worry about discrimination. Understanding what language landlords and property managers cannot use in rental adverts helps protect your rights and ensures fair housing opportunities. This guide walks you through what is considered illegal language under Georgia and federal fair housing laws, with links to the key agencies and how you can take action if you spot a problem.

What Makes Rental Ad Language Illegal?

The language used in rental listings is regulated to prevent discrimination. In Georgia, as in the rest of the country, it's illegal for a landlord, agent, or anyone involved in renting out a property to use advertising that discriminates against people based on protected characteristics. These protections are primarily found in the federal Fair Housing Act and interpreted locally by state law and agencies.

Protected Characteristics in Georgia

Both federal and state law protect individuals from discrimination in housing based on:

• Race or color
• National origin
• Religion
• Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation)
• Familial status (e.g., having children)
• Disability

Georgia law follows federal guidelines and does not currently add additional protected classes beyond the federal minimum, but federal Fair Housing Act rules apply statewide.^[1] Certain local ordinances might offer more protection, so always check your city or county’s rules.

Examples of Illegal Rental Ad Language in Georgia

Georgia landlords and their agents cannot use words or phrases that show preference, limitation, or discrimination because of protected characteristics. Here are some examples that would make a rental ad illegal:

• “No children” or “Adults only”
• “Christian family preferred”
• “Perfect for single professionals” (if used to discourage families or other groups)
• “No wheelchairs” or “No disabled applicants”
• “Hispanic neighborhood” or “Whites only”

Any descriptive language that even subtly gives a preference or discourages people based on a protected characteristic is not allowed. Ads can describe features of the rental (“two-bedroom apartment,” “second-floor unit”), just not the preferred kind of person.

Reporting Discriminatory Rental Ads

If you see a rental advertisement in Georgia that seems discriminatory, you have the right to report it. The main agencies that handle these complaints are:

• The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
• The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) - Fair Housing Division

How to File a Fair Housing Complaint

Here’s how renters can take action:

• Gather evidence: Take a screenshot or save the rental ad.
• Complete the Fair Housing Complaint Form (HUD Form 903): This form can be filled out online, mailed, or faxed.
• File directly online with HUD, or
• Download HUD Form 903 to print and mail

Which Tribunal Handles Rental Discrimination in Georgia?

While Georgia does not have a standalone housing tribunal, fair housing complaints in Georgia are handled by HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO), with support from the state’s Department of Community Affairs (DCA Fair Housing).

Relevant Georgia and Federal Tenancy Legislation

The primary legislation that makes discriminatory rental advertisements illegal is the federal Fair Housing Act (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968).^[2] Georgia’s landlord-tenant law does not have a separate anti-discrimination section, but follows federal requirements. For general landlord-tenant rules in Georgia, see the Georgia Landlord-Tenant Code.^[3]

Official Forms for Georgia Renters

• HUD Form 903: Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
  When to Use: If you find or experience discriminatory rental advertising, use this form to file a complaint with HUD.
  Download HUD Form 903
  Example: "I saw an ad on a popular website saying 'no families with children.' I completed HUD Form 903 and submitted it online. HUD reviewed and began an investigation."

Does Georgia Allow Any Exceptions?

The law usually covers all rental housing, except:

• Owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units (the “Mrs. Murphy” exemption), though ad language is still covered by the law.
• Private clubs or religious organizations providing non-commercial housing to members

Even in these exceptions, advertising language that discriminates is almost always illegal.

1. Can landlords ever legally say 'no pets'?
   Yes, landlords in Georgia can state 'no pets' in advertisements. However, they cannot refuse service animals or emotional support animals for tenants with disabilities.
2. What should I do if I see a discriminatory ad?
   Document it, save the evidence, and file a complaint with HUD or the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. Use HUD Form 903 for the complaint process.
3. Does Georgia law add any protected classes beyond federal law?
   No, Georgia follows federal fair housing protections. However, some cities and counties may add local protections. Check local ordinances for details.
4. Is "adults only" ever legal in a Georgia rental ad?
   No, "adults only" is not allowed unless the property specifically qualifies as senior housing under federal guidelines.
5. Is describing the rental size (e.g., "one bedroom") discrimination?
   No, stating factual features is legal—just avoid phrasing that suggests a preferred tenant type.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Georgia Renters

• Rental ads in Georgia cannot use language that discriminates against protected classes under the Fair Housing Act.
• If you see or experience discriminatory advertising, document it and file a complaint using the official process (HUD Form 903).
• Georgia’s Department of Community Affairs and HUD are your primary resources for reporting and information.

By staying informed about illegal advertising language, you help support fair housing for all in Georgia.

Need Help? Resources for Renters in Georgia

• HUD: Fair Housing Complaint Process
• Georgia Department of Community Affairs: Fair Housing Division
• U.S. Department of Justice, Fair Housing Act Overview
• Georgia Legal Aid: Fair Housing

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1. Fair Housing Act: U.S. Department of Justice overview
2. Full text: Federal Fair Housing Act (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968)
3. Georgia Landlord-Tenant Law (Official State Code)

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