Sex, incl. sexual orientation & gender identity / Fair Housing phrase guide
Is "women roommates" OK in a listing? It depends
Depends Context matters: fine in some uses, a problem in others. Both sides are explained below.
Why
Only lawful when the shared-living exemption really applies (shared living space). HUD's memo says the person placing the ad is responsible for meeting that exemption. Never right for a separate unit.
Safer wording
- roommate
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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 sex-roommate, ListingLint rules v2026.10.1.