Familial status / Fair Housing phrase guide
Is "55+ community" OK in a listing? It depends
Depends Context matters: fine in some uses, a problem in others. Both sides are explained below.
Why
Lawful only if the property qualifies as housing for older persons (HUD program, 62+ for all residents, or 55+ for at least 80% of units with a supporting policy). Confirm with the HOA/developer before advertising it.
Safer wording
Describe the property, not the people: rewrite this part by hand.
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- Housing for older persons exemption, 42 U.S.C. § 3607(b)
- Long Island Board of REALTORS®: Fair Housing Advertising Word and Phrase Guidelines (Mar. 2025)
- 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 fam-55-plus, ListingLint rules v2026.10.1.