Fair Housing phrase guide
Fair Housing words to avoid in listings, and what's fine
124 phrases, each with the reason, a safer rewrite and the source it comes from. Want your whole draft checked at once? Use the free checker.
Race / color
- white families Avoid
- caucasians Avoid
- minority neighborhoods Avoid
- integrated area Avoid
- racially diverse Avoid
- ethnic neighborhood Avoid
- ghetto Avoid
- diverse community Depends
- ethnic restaurants Depends
- inner city neighborhood Minor
National origin
- asian neighborhoods Avoid
- english only Avoid
- citizens only Avoid
- latinos Caution
- oriental design Caution
- foreigners Caution
- all-american neighborhood Caution
- spanish style OK
- chinatown OK
Religion
- christian neighborhood Avoid
- walking distance to church Caution
- christian Caution
- ✡ Caution
- god fearing Caution
- inside the eruv Caution
- near catholic school Caution
- church Depends
- sabbath elevator Depends
- parish Minor
- with chapel OK
- kosher kitchen OK
- merry christmas OK
- near places of worship OK
Sex, incl. sexual orientation & gender identity
- women only Avoid
- single woman Avoid
- perfect for bachelors Avoid
- gay friendly neighborhoods Avoid
- bachelor pad Caution
- lesbians Caution
- women roommates Depends
- man cave Minor
- gentleman's farm Minor
- fisherman's paradise Minor
- handyman's dream Minor
- maid's room Minor
- seeking same Minor
- girls' bedroom Minor
- bachelor apartments Minor
- master bedroom OK
- mother-in-law suite OK
- bachelor apartment OK
Disability
- no wheelchairs Avoid
- not suitable for wheelchairs Avoid
- able-bodied only Avoid
- crippled Avoid
- no hiv Avoid
- no group homes Avoid
- non-drinkers only Avoid
- no service animals Avoid
- must be able to live independently Avoid
- no canes Avoid
- agile Caution
- non-smokers only Caution
- disabled people Caution
- walking distance Depends
- no pets Depends
- handicap Minor
- ideal for active buyers Minor
- wheelchair accessible OK
- walk-in closet OK
- assistance animals welcome OK
Familial status
- no children allowed Avoid
- adults only Avoid
- one child only Avoid
- ideal for young families Avoid
- empty nesters Avoid
- singles only Avoid
- mature adults Avoid
- no pregnant women Avoid
- great for families Caution
- family friendly Caution
- safe for kids Caution
- newlyweds welcome Caution
- ideal for seniors Caution
- quiet tenants Caution
- no play area Caution
- young professionals Caution
- retirement homes Caution
- ideal for downsizers Caution
- ideal for grandkids Caution
- one person only Depends
- 55+ community Depends
- starter homes Minor
- family home Minor
- grandma's home Minor
- family room OK
- kids welcome OK
- mature trees OK
State / local classes
- no section 8 Avoid
- married only Avoid
- no military Avoid
- pay stubs required Caution
- no criminal records Caution
- no students Caution
- low income people Caution
- young buyers Caution
- verifiable income Depends
- credit check required OK
Steering code words
- board approval required Avoid
- preferred community Avoid
- restricted Caution
- safe neighborhood Caution
- like-minded neighbors Caution
- exclusive neighborhoods Depends
- private community Depends
- traditional neighborhood Depends
- prestigious neighborhood Minor
- near country club Minor
- secure community Minor
- executive homes Minor
- changing neighborhood Minor
- blue-collar neighborhood Minor
- luxury townhouse OK
- rare find OK
Not legal advice. Laws differ by state and city.