Free tool
Fair housing words to avoid, with a free listing copy checker
Paste your listing post. The checker flags phrases commonly cited in fair housing guidance, with a neutral rewrite hint for each, and checks for the credit lines a post needs. The text you paste is checked in your browser and is not sent to us. Not legal advice; your brokerage's rules apply.
Suggested version
Fills in the missing lines with placeholders and cleans phone formats. Words flagged above still need your edit.
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Not legal advice; your brokerage's rules apply. This tool flags phrases commonly cited in fair housing guidance, and a few other common issues, by matching text. A phrase it flags is one to look at, and nothing flagged means only that none of its phrases were found. Rules change and differ by state and brokerage, so confirm with your managing broker before you post. You need permission to market any listing that is not yours.
Fair housing words to avoid in a listing post
The federal rule is short. It is unlawful to publish an advertisement for the sale or rental of a dwelling "which indicates any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin." That is 24 CFR 100.75. Some states and cities protect more classes, so check yours.
Most trouble comes from describing who should live in a home instead of describing the home. The tool above scans for 165 phrases across eight groups. Here is a sample, with what to write instead.
| Group | Phrases the tool flags | What to write instead |
|---|---|---|
| Family status | no children, adults only, couples only | Describe the home. If it is a qualifying age restricted community, say that and have the documentation. |
| Disability | no wheelchairs, handicapped, able bodied | Describe the physical features, such as a step free entry or wide doorways. |
| Religion | near church, Christian neighborhood | Name the street and the nearby amenities that are not about who lives there. |
| National origin | English only, no foreigners | Remove it. Nothing in a home post depends on where a person is from. |
| Sex | man cave, bachelor pad, perfect for single women | Use recreation room or studio, and describe the room. |
| Steering words | safe neighborhood, good schools, exclusive community, family neighborhood | Say what is true of the home. Name the school district, and let the buyer judge the area. |
| Softer style flags | master bedroom, master suite | These are flagged as a style note. Primary bedroom is the neutral wording. |
Phrases are flagged for you to review, not ruled on. A flagged word can be fine in context, and a clean scan can still hide a problem in a photo or a caption.
Common questions
Is there an official list of fair housing words to avoid?
The federal regulation gives examples of unlawful notices and advertisements, not a word list. The phrases this tool flags are ones commonly cited in fair housing guidance, and context decides whether a phrase is a problem.
Can I say good schools in a listing?
Naming the school district is a fact. Calling schools good or best is an opinion that can read as steering, so the checker suggests naming the district and letting the buyer judge.
Can I say safe neighborhood?
The checker flags it. Describe the home and the street, and point buyers to public sources for anything about safety.
Does fair housing law apply to a Marketplace post?
The regulation covers any notice, statement or advertisement about the sale or rental of a dwelling. Read 24 CFR 100.75 yourself, and ask your broker how your brokerage applies it.
Does a clean result mean my post has no problem?
No. The checker reads words. It does not read intent, photos or context, and it is not advice. Your broker has the final say on your advertising.
More free tools and guides: Ad credit line builder · Marketplace post formatter · Can I advertise this listing? · What a clearly attributed post looks like · All free tools
This is general information, not advice. Rules vary by state, by association and by brokerage.