Fair Housing Phrases to Avoid in Real Estate Listings

Why it's flagged: Implies the property is suited for families with children, which can discourage adults-only households or single occupants from applying.

Say instead: "welcoming neighborhood," "great location"

Why it's flagged: Explicit restriction on families with children is a direct FHA violation unless the property qualifies as housing for older persons (55+ or 62+).

Say instead: Omit entirely. If 55+ community, state "Age-restricted community — 55+ housing"

Why it's flagged: Implies physical mobility as a prerequisite to enjoying the property, which can discourage people with mobility impairments.

Say instead: "conveniently located near," "close to," "minutes from"

Why it's flagged: Suggests physical ability is required to live there comfortably.

Say instead: "outdoor access," "near trails and parks"

Why it's flagged: Gender-coded language that signals the property is intended for a specific sex.

Say instead: "home office," "bonus room," "media room"

Why it's flagged: HUD and many state commissions flag "master" as potentially racially coded language due to its association with slavery. Risk is low but rising.

Say instead: "primary bedroom," "owner's suite"

Why it's flagged: "Near churches" alone is borderline — listing a specific religious community as a selling point implies preference for a religion.

Say instead: "near places of worship," "near schools and community centers"

Why it's flagged: Implies the property is intended for couples, discouraging families with children or single-person households.

Say instead: "cozy," "efficient layout," "great use of space"

Why it's flagged: "Safe" is frequently a coded reference to the racial or ethnic composition of a neighborhood. It is one of the most commonly flagged advisory phrases.

Say instead: Describe physical attributes: "well-lit streets," "quiet cul-de-sac," "low-traffic street"

Why it's flagged: Can signal that not everyone is welcome — historically used to describe racially restrictive neighborhoods.

Say instead: "sought-after location," "established neighborhood"

Why it's flagged: Coded phrases often used to describe neighborhoods undergoing racial or ethnic demographic shifts.

Say instead: Describe tangible improvements: "recently renovated infrastructure," "new development nearby"

Why it's flagged: Refusing housing voucher holders is illegal in Maryland under Md. Code § 20-705. Federal law does not yet require this, but Maryland does.

Say instead: Omit entirely. Maryland landlords must accept housing vouchers.

Why it's flagged: Stated credit score minimums in the listing itself create documented disparate impact on protected classes with historically lower average credit scores.

Say instead: State minimum requirements in the application process, not the listing description.

Why it's flagged: Emotional support animals are not pets — landlords must provide reasonable accommodations for ESAs under the FHA. Listing "no ESA" is a direct violation.

Say instead: "Pets considered on a case-by-case basis." For ESA/service animal policy, consult your broker.

Why it's flagged: Directly expresses preference based on national origin.

Say instead: Omit entirely.