If Mrs. Jones advertises her rental property stating "heterosexual tenants only," what is the legal standing of this advertisement?

The advertisement by Mrs. Jones stating "heterosexual tenants only" is problematic as it raises significant concerns regarding discrimination. Under the federal Fair Housing Act and Maryland law, discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is considered a form of discrimination based on sex. Such advertisements can lead to claims of unlawful discrimination because they explicitly exclude individuals based on their sexual orientation, which could be interpreted as denying equal housing opportunities to those who do not conform to the specified demographic.

The law seeks to promote fair housing practices and prevent discrimination based on various protected characteristics, including sexual orientation. Therefore, by indicating a preference for heterosexual tenants only, Mrs. Jones's advertisement violates these protections, potentially opening her up to legal action for discrimination.

Additionally, the nature of whether she is renting part of her home does not exempt her from following fair housing laws; discriminatory language in rental advertisements is not permissible, regardless of the context in which the property is being rented. This reinforces the importance of non-discriminatory practices in housing advertising.