Fair Housing phrases to avoid in listings

What each phrase signals, why it gets flagged, and what to write instead. Or paste your listing into the free checker.

• “master bedroom”Not a Fair Housing violation by itself, but many MLSs and brokerages now require "primary" instead.
• “walking distance”A low-risk phrase, but some Fair Housing guides advise stating the actual distance instead.
• “family-friendly”Risky. It can signal a preference for households with children.
• “perfect for families”Risky. Naming who a home is "perfect for" is a common source of complaints.
• “no children / adults only”High risk. Excluding children is generally prohibited.
• “adult community”Only lawfully qualified 55+ or 62+ communities may market this way.
• “perfect for couples / young professionals”Risky. It names a type of buyer, which can imply a preference.
• “safe neighborhood”Risky. Safety claims about an area can steer buyers.
• “great schools”Risky. School-quality claims can steer, and ratings change.
• “man cave / she shed”Low risk, but gendered terms can read as a preference. A neutral term is easy.
• “handicap accessible”Outdated wording. Use "accessible" and describe the actual features.
• “"not suitable for wheelchairs" / "able-bodied"”High risk. Language that excludes people with disabilities is prohibited.
• “no Section 8”High risk. Refusing vouchers or lawful income sources is illegal in many places.
• “exclusive neighborhood”Low to moderate risk. The word has a history as coded exclusion.
• “near a church”Moderate risk. Referencing a place of worship can signal a religious preference.
• “English-speaking neighborhood”High risk. Language requirements can be national-origin discrimination.

General information, not legal advice.