Disability / Fair Housing phrase guide
"non-smokers only" in a real estate listing: Fair Housing caution
Caution Flagged as a caution: it often reads as a preference for, or against, a group of people.
Why
The lists put "non-smokers" on the avoid side but "smoking, no" on the acceptable side. HUD's memo allows describing conduct ("non-smoking"). Describe the rule, not the people.
Safer wording
- non-smoking property
- no smoking
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- HUD "Achtenberg memo": Guidance Regarding Advertisements Under §804(c), Jan. 9, 1995
- CRMLS Fair Housing Word & Phrase List (Apr. 2021)
- Fair Housing Advertising Word and Phrase List (New York Press Assn.; source: Oklahoma Press Assn.)
Related phrases
Not legal advice. Word lists can't judge context, and laws differ by state and city. Rule dis-smokers, ListingLint rules v2026.10.1.