From the Legal Hotline

By Teri Henning, General Counsel; Melissa Melewsky, Media Law Counsel
Pennsylvania Newspaper Association

Q: Can a housing ad say “no pets”?

A: Probably, but PNA recommends adding supplementary language if an advertiser wants to say “no pets”.

The PA Human Relations Act makes it unlawful to print, publish, circulate or advertise any statement that indicates any preference, limitation, specification or type of discrimination in the sale, rental or financing of residential housing and commercial property on the basis of the use of guide or support animals due to blindness, deafness or physical handicap or the handling or training of support or guide animals.

The statement “no pets” could be construed to mean no guide or support animals which could result in a complaint against the newspaper. Therefore, if an advertiser wants to say “no pets” in a housing ad, PNA recommends adding language that illustrates the fact that guide or support animals are welcome; for example: “no pets except guide or support.”

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