Illegal Rental Advertising Language in Utah: What Renters Need to Know

It’s important for renters in Utah to know their rights when searching for housing. Advertisements for rental properties must follow both federal and state fair housing laws. Understanding what language is illegal in rental ads can help protect you from discrimination and secure fair access to housing opportunities.

Understanding Fair Housing Advertising Laws in Utah

Utah law and federal law work together to prohibit discrimination in rental advertising. Both landlords and real estate agents must avoid any language that suggests a preference or limitation based on certain traits or group membership.

Protected Classes Under Utah and Federal Law

• Race
• Color
• National origin
• Religion
• Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation)
• Disability
• Familial status (including children under 18, pregnancy, or legal custody of minors)

These categories are protected under the federal Fair Housing Act and the Utah Fair Housing Act^[1].

Examples of Illegal Advertising Language

• “No children” or “adults only” (familial status discrimination)
• “Christians preferred” or references to any religion
• Gender-specific language (such as “female roommate only,” unless sharing living areas in certain instances)
• “No Section 8” is not currently illegal in Utah, but refusing to rent based on protected classes remains prohibited
• References to race, such as “ideal for [specific ethnicity]”

It is acceptable to describe the property itself (for example, “two-bedroom” or “near local schools”), but anything that appears to exclude, discourage, or limit people from protected classes is likely to be illegal.

Additional Advertising Rules

• Advertisements must be truthful and not misleading
• If special accessibility features are present, stating these is permitted (for example, “wheelchair accessible”)
• Even small, private landlords must comply with anti-discrimination language requirements when advertising

How to Report Discriminatory Rental Advertising in Utah

If you believe you have found a rental ad that violates fair housing laws, you can file a complaint. Utah renters have the right to report suspected violations and seek investigation.

Which Tribunal Handles Fair Housing Issues?

Complaints in Utah are handled by the Utah Antidiscrimination & Labor Division (UALD), part of the Utah Labor Commission.

Official Complaint Form

• Form Name: Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (UALD)
• Where to get it: Download from the UALD Housing Discrimination page
• When to use it: File when you have been affected by discriminatory advertising and want to request an official investigation.
• How to use it: Complete all relevant information—include a copy of the ad, clear descriptions, and the contact details of the advertiser if possible. Submit online, by mail, or in person. See filing instructions on the UALD Contact page.

Steps to File a Fair Housing Complaint in Utah

• Document the advertisement—save digital or printed evidence.
• Complete the Housing Discrimination Complaint Form from the UALD website.
• Submit your form using one of the official contact methods.
• The UALD will investigate and notify you of their findings. If your complaint falls under the Fair Housing Act, it may also be referred to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD Fair Housing Office).

The UALD can take action if unlawful discrimination is found, including making the landlord change their advertising practices or providing compensation in some circumstances.

FAQ: Rental Advertising and Fair Housing in Utah

1. Is it illegal for rental ads to say "no kids" or "adults only" in Utah?
   Yes, language like "no kids" or "adults only" is illegal as it discriminates based on familial status, which is protected under both state and federal law.
2. Can a Utah landlord specify a preferred religion, gender, or nationality in an ad?
   No. Ads that state preferences or exclusions related to religion, gender (except in certain roommate situations), or nationality violate fair housing laws.
3. Are "no pets" rental ads considered discrimination?
   Generally, no. However, refusing service animals or emotional support animals needed for a disability is not allowed under fair housing law.
4. Where do I report an illegal rental ad in Utah?
   You should report it to the Utah Antidiscrimination & Labor Division (UALD) using their official complaint form.
5. Can landlords say "no Section 8" in Utah rental ads?
   Currently, Utah law does not specifically protect renters with housing vouchers, but landlords must not discriminate against protected classes in any ad.

Key Takeaways

• Rental ads in Utah cannot contain language that discriminates against race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or familial status.
• The Utah Antidiscrimination & Labor Division enforces these rules—renters can file complaints about illegal advertising for free.
• Keeping documentation of any discriminatory ad helps if you need to take action.

If you think you have seen an illegal ad, it is worth contacting the tribunal or a housing advocate for advice.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Utah Antidiscrimination & Labor Division (UALD) – Fair housing enforcement and complaints
• Utah Fair Housing Act (State Legislation)
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity

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1. Utah Fair Housing Act
2. Federal Fair Housing Act – U.S. Department of Justice
3. Utah Antidiscrimination & Labor Division (UALD)

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