Is mother-in-law suite a protected preference?

Q: Is mother-in-law suite a protected preference?

OK. HUD's memo: "mother-in-law suite" is a common physical description of a unit and doesn't violate the Act. (LIBOR and NYPA still list it as caution, so "in-law suite" or "accessory unit" is the most conservative.)

Sex, incl. sexual orientation & gender identity / Fair Housing phrase guide

Is "mother-in-law suite" OK in a real estate listing?

OK Generally acceptable per the sources below.

Why

HUD's memo: "mother-in-law suite" is a common physical description of a unit and doesn't violate the Act. (LIBOR and NYPA still list it as caution, so "in-law suite" or "accessory unit" is the most conservative.)

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Sources

HUD "Achtenberg memo": Guidance Regarding Advertisements Under §804(c), Jan. 9, 1995

Related phrases

Not legal advice. Word lists can't judge context, and laws differ by state and city. Rule ok-in-law, ListingLint rules v2026.10.1.