Fair Housing Compliance: Banned Words & Phrases Every Property Manager Should Know

Understanding which words and phrases could violate Fair Housing laws is crucial for property managers, real estate agents, and housing professionals. Using discriminatory language, even unintentionally, can lead to serious legal consequences and penalties.

Key Takeaways:

• Certain words and phrases that reference protected classes are prohibited in property listings and advertisements
• Using discriminatory language can result in Fair Housing violations and substantial penalties
• Implementing automated screening tools can help catch problematic language before publication
• Regular staff training on compliant language is essential for risk management
• Even subtle or unintentional discrimination through language choice can violate Fair Housing laws

Understanding Language-Based Fair Housing Violations

Language that discriminates against protected classes under the Fair Housing Act can appear in many forms - from obvious discriminatory statements to subtle preferences that could discourage certain groups from applying. Property managers must be particularly vigilant about the language used in:

• Property listings
• Marketing materials
• Social media posts
• Verbal communications
• Internal documentation

Ready to ensure your listings are always compliant? Schedule a demo with FairSentry to see how FairSentry can automatically screen your content for potential violations.

Categories of Problematic Language to Avoid

Family Status

Avoid phrases like:

• "Perfect for singles"
• "Ideal for couples"
• "Adult community" (unless qualified as senior housing)
• "No children"
• References to playground proximity that suggest targeting families

Race and National Origin

Never use:

• Any racial or ethnic descriptions
• References to specific nationalities
• Language preferences
• Cultural landmarks or references that could indicate preference

Religion

Avoid:

• References to places of worship
• Religious terminology
• Holiday-specific marketing
• Religious symbols in advertising

Gender

Eliminate:

• Gender-specific terms
• "Bachelor pad"
• "Perfect for businessmen"
• Gender-based assumptions about tenants

Disability

Don't use:

• "Walking distance"
• "Must be able to climb stairs"
• Any physical ability requirements
• Negative references to accommodations

Age

Avoid:

• "Young professional"
• "Perfect for retirees"
• Age-specific marketing (except for qualified senior housing)
• References to lifestyle that imply age preference

Alternative Compliant Language

Instead of using potentially discriminatory language, focus on:

1. Property Features

2. Square footage

3. Number of rooms
4. Appliance descriptions

5. Parking availability

6. Location Details

7. Distance to public transportation

8. Neighborhood amenities
9. Property address

10. Proximity to business districts

11. Factual Statements

12. Rent amount

13. Lease terms
14. Utility information
15. Available move-in dates

For more guidance on writing compliant listings, visit our complete guide to compliant property listings.

The Impact of Non-Compliance

Using discriminatory language can lead to:

• Fair Housing violations
• Substantial monetary penalties
• Legal action
• Damage to reputation
• Lost business opportunities

Learn more about the costs of non-compliance in our article about Fair Housing violations and penalties.

Technology Solutions for Language Compliance

Modern technology offers solutions to help prevent language-based violations:

1. AI-Powered Screening

2. Automated content review

3. Real-time language checking
4. Compliance recommendations

5. Historical audit trails

6. Digital Compliance Tools

7. Pre-approved phrase libraries

8. Template management
9. Multi-channel monitoring
10. Compliance reporting

Learn more about how AI is revolutionizing property listing compliance.

Best Practices for Maintaining Compliant Language

1. Regular Staff Training

2. Schedule periodic compliance updates

3. Review recent violation cases
4. Practice writing compliant listings

5. Test knowledge regularly

6. Documentation

7. Maintain approved language guidelines

8. Keep records of training
9. Document compliance procedures

10. Track violation corrections

11. Quality Control

12. Implement multi-level review processes

13. Use automated screening tools
14. Conduct regular audits
15. Monitor all marketing channels

Want to automatically screen your content for discriminatory language? See how FairSentry can help keep your listings compliant 24/7.

FAQ

Q: Can I mention nearby churches or schools in my listing?

A: While you can provide factual information about the neighborhood, it's best to avoid highlighting specific religious institutions or facilities that might suggest preference for certain groups.

Q: Is it okay to say "family-friendly neighborhood"?

A: This phrase could be interpreted as discriminatory against individuals without children. Instead, describe actual amenities and features of the neighborhood.

Q: Can I specify "seniors only"?

A: Only if your property qualifies as senior housing under Fair Housing Act exemptions. Otherwise, age-based restrictions are generally prohibited.

Q: What about safety-related descriptions?

A: Focus on specific security features rather than subjective claims about safety, which could be interpreted as coded language for discrimination.

Q: How can I describe accessibility features?

A: List specific features objectively (e.g., "elevator access," "ground-floor unit") without making assumptions about who might need them.

Conclusion

Maintaining compliant language in property listings and marketing materials is essential for Fair Housing compliance. While the list of potentially discriminatory phrases is extensive, focusing on objective, fact-based descriptions of properties and amenities can help avoid violations. Regular training, clear guidelines, and automated compliance tools can significantly reduce the risk of language-based Fair Housing violations.

For comprehensive protection against discriminatory language, consider implementing automated screening tools that can catch potential violations before they occur. This proactive approach can save time, reduce risk, and maintain consistent compliance across all your property listings and marketing materials.

Stay informed about Fair Housing compliance by exploring our complete guide to Fair Housing compliance and implementing a robust Fair Housing compliance strategy.