Short answer: a listing phrase becomes a Fair Housing problem when it describes who should live in the home (or nearby) instead of what the property is. Room names like "family room" and "master bedroom" are fine; phrases like "perfect for a young family," "safe neighborhood" or "great schools" are not.
20 common phrases, answered
Federal baseline under 42 U.S.C. §3604(c), 24 CFR §100.75 and HUD's January 9, 1995 advertising memo. Your state, city, MLS and brokerage may be stricter.
| Phrase | Verdict | Why / safer wording |
|---|---|---|
| "Master bedroom" | Generally OK | HUD's 1995 memo says it isn't a violation. Many MLSs now prefer "primary bedroom". |
| "Family room" | OK | Describes a room, not residents (HUD 1995 memo). |
| "Mother-in-law suite" / "in-law suite" | OK | Listed as acceptable in the HUD memo. "Accessory dwelling unit" or "guest suite" are neutral alternatives. |
| "Perfect for a growing family" | Avoid | States a familial-status preference. Say "four bedrooms plus a bonus room." |
| "Ideal for empty nesters" / "retirees" | Avoid | Implies a preference by age or familial status. Say "single-level living, primary suite on the main floor." |
| "Adults only" / "no children" | Avoid | Violates familial-status protection unless the property is legally exempt senior housing under HOPA. |
| "55+ community" | OK if exempt | Fine when the community qualifies under HOPA. Cite the official designation and verify. |
| "Safe neighborhood" | Avoid | Subjective and can be read as steering. Give facts, e.g. "gated entry" or "cul-de-sac street." |
| "Great schools" / "top-rated schools" | Avoid | Ratings can act as steering. Use "Zoned for [School], per [District]. Buyer to verify." |
| "Walking distance to…" | Generally OK | Describes location. "0.3 miles to…" is the most neutral phrasing. |
| "Walk-in closet" / "walk-up" | OK | Property descriptions (HUD 1995 memo). |
| "Wheelchair accessible" / "grab bars" | OK | Describing accessibility features is fine. Avoid "no wheelchairs" or "must be able to climb stairs." |
| "Able-bodied" / "physically fit" | Avoid | Disability-related preference. |
| "Bachelor pad" / "man cave" | Use caution | Gendered or household-type wording. Say "studio" or "bonus room." |
| "Near St. Mark's Church" | Use caution | Religious landmarks can imply a religious preference. Prefer non-religious landmarks or plain distances. |
| "Christian home" / religious symbols | Avoid | Explicit religious preference. |
| "Exclusive" / "private community" | Use caution | Can be read as code for exclusion when describing a neighborhood. Fine for verified facts like "private gated road." |
| "Quiet street" | OK | Listed in the HUD memo as acceptable. |
| "Close to [named] mosque / synagogue / temple" | Use caution | Same issue as religious landmarks. |
| "Section 8 not accepted" / "no vouchers" | Avoid in many areas | Source of income is protected in many states and cities. Check local law. |
The one test to apply to any phrase
Ask: "Does this describe the property, or the people?" Features, rooms, measurements, materials, named places and distances describe the property. Ages, household types, religions, nationalities, abilities and judgments about neighbors describe people.
Check your own copy
Paste your listing into the free Fair Housing word checker. For the complete red/yellow list, see Fair Housing words to avoid.
Not legal advice. When in doubt, ask your broker or a fair housing attorney.