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Key Takeaways

  • All real estate advertising must include the brokerage name as registered with KREC
  • Blind ads (without broker identification) are prohibited in Kentucky
  • Sales associates cannot advertise in their own name without broker identification
  • Internet and social media advertising must comply with the same rules as traditional advertising
  • Team names must be approved by the principal broker and cannot imply a separate company
Last updated: January 2026

Kentucky Advertising Regulations

Kentucky has specific rules governing how real estate professionals may advertise their services and properties.

General Advertising Rules

Broker Identification Required

All advertising must include the brokerage name as registered with KREC:

RequirementDetails
Brokerage nameMust appear in all advertising
As registeredExact name filed with KREC
ProminenceMust be clearly visible/readable

Blind Ads Prohibited

Blind advertising (ads without broker identification) is prohibited:

Not AllowedWhy
"For Sale By Owner" by licenseeDeceptive if licensee
Agent phone onlyNo broker identification
Personal website onlyMust include brokerage

Sales Associate Advertising

Rules for Agents

RuleRequirement
Cannot advertise aloneMust include brokerage name
Personal adsMust include broker identification
Business cardsMust include brokerage name
WebsitesMust include brokerage name

Team Names

RequirementDetails
Broker approvalPrincipal broker must approve
Not misleadingCannot imply separate company
With broker nameMust appear with brokerage name

Online and Social Media

Internet Advertising Rules

The same rules apply to online advertising:

PlatformRequirement
WebsitesBroker name on every page
Social mediaBroker name in profile/bio
Email signaturesInclude broker identification
Video contentBroker identification required

Specific Requirements

RequirementApplication
Clear identificationBroker name visible
Not misleadingCannot create false impressions
Accurate informationNo false claims
Equal opportunityFair housing compliance

Property Advertising

Truth in Advertising

All property advertising must be:

RequirementDescription
TruthfulNo false statements
AccurateCorrect information
Not misleadingNo deceptive practices
CompleteNo material omissions

Prohibited Practices

PracticeWhy Prohibited
False priceMisleading buyers
Misleading descriptionsDeceptive
Unauthorized photosIntellectual property violation
Discriminatory languageFair housing violation

Fair Housing in Advertising

Prohibited Language

Advertising cannot include language that:

  • Expresses preference based on protected class
  • Discourages certain groups
  • Uses discriminatory terms or phrases

Protected Classes (Federal + Kentucky)

FederalKentucky Additional
RaceFamilial status
ColorSexual orientation
ReligionGender identity
National originSmoker/non-smoker status
Sex
Familial status
Disability

Human Model Requirement

If advertising uses human models, should show:

RequirementPurpose
DiversityShow equal opportunity
No exclusionsDon't discourage protected groups
Inclusive imageryWelcome all groups

Consequences of Violations

KREC Discipline

ViolationPotential Consequence
Blind advertisingWarning to fine
False advertisingSuspension to revocation
Missing broker nameWarning to fine
Fair housing violationSerious discipline

Fair Housing Penalties

AgencyPenalties
HUDFines, consent agreements
DOJLitigation, major fines
StateAdditional penalties
Private lawsuitsDamages
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Kentucky Advertising Requirements
Test Your Knowledge

What must be included in all Kentucky real estate advertising?

A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge

Can a Kentucky sales associate advertise in their own name only?

A
B
C
D
Up Next

4.4 Kentucky Fair Housing Laws

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