Which of the following actions might be considered a violation of fair housing laws?

Advertising only to certain demographics is a violation of fair housing laws because it discriminates against individuals based on protected characteristics such as race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. Fair housing laws, such as the Federal Fair Housing Act, are designed to ensure that all individuals have equal access to housing without discrimination. When a landlord or property manager advertises to only certain demographic groups, they are effectively excluding others based on these protected characteristics, which is not permissible under the law. This practice promotes segregation and limits opportunities for those who might otherwise qualify for housing.

In contrast, while choosing tenants based on income could raise ethical or practical concerns, it is not inherently a violation of fair housing laws unless it disproportionately affects a protected class. Collecting security deposits is a standard practice in property management and does not violate fair housing laws. Refusing to provide maintenance, although it can indicate poor property management, is not specifically a fair housing violation unless it is done selectively based on discriminatory reasons. Therefore, the focus on demographic advertising highlights a clear infringement of fair housing protections.