Sex, incl. sexual orientation & gender identity / Fair Housing phrase guide
Is "master bedroom" OK in a real estate listing?
OK Generally acceptable per the sources below.
Why
HUD's 1995 memo says "master bedroom" is not a violation of the sex or race provisions, and the NYPA and CRMLS lists accept it. Some MLSs (e.g. Houston's HAR, since 2020) use "primary" instead. That's a preference, not a legal requirement.
Safer wording
- primary bedroom
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- HUD "Achtenberg memo": Guidance Regarding Advertisements Under §804(c), Jan. 9, 1995
- Fair Housing Advertising Word and Phrase List (New York Press Assn.; source: Oklahoma Press Assn.)
- CRMLS Fair Housing Word & Phrase List (Apr. 2021)
- HousingWire: Houston Association of Realtors replaces "master" (2020)
Related phrases
Not legal advice. Word lists can't judge context, and laws differ by state and city. Rule ok-master, ListingLint rules v2026.10.1.