Can you say "no children / adults only" in a real estate listing?
High risk. Excluding children is generally prohibited.
Why it gets flagged
Familial status is a protected class under the Fair Housing Act. Advertising that excludes children, or "adults only", is a textbook violation unless the property is a lawfully qualified housing-for-older-persons community.
If a community is genuinely age-restricted (55+ or 62+), say exactly that and state the qualification, rather than using shorthand.
Instead of
Quiet building, adults only, no children.
Try wording like
Quiet building with a peaceful courtyard.
Flag-only: a person must decide the replacement. If you are unsure whether a community qualifies as housing for older persons, ask your broker or counsel.
What to say instead
- Quiet building with a peaceful courtyard.
- Qualified 55+ community (age-qualification details available on request).
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Open the Fair Housing checkerRelated phrases
7 phrases to stop using in listings
A one-page guide with the neutral wording to use instead.
General information, not legal advice. Fair Housing rules, MLS rules and local law vary; your broker and an attorney are the authorities. The phrase check is rule-based and cannot catch everything.