Free tools / Fair Housing Ad Checker

Free tool

Check your listing before it goes live

Paste a listing description, social post or ad. Phrases that can raise a fair housing problem are highlighted instantly, with the reason and a safer way to say it.

Runs in your browser. Your text is not sent or stored anywhere.

Your results will show here.

What this checks

The Fair Housing Act bars ads that state a preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status or national origin. Many states and cities add protections such as source of income and age. The safe rule is simple: describe the property, never the people you picture living there.

Avoid

States a preference or limitation outright, for example "adults only", "no Section 8" or "perfect for a young couple".

Caution

Often read as steering, for example "safe neighborhood" or "exclusive enclave". Fine to rewrite with facts.

Based on HUD's advertising guidance (the 1995 Achtenberg memorandum) and published fair housing word and phrase lists. This tool is guidance only and not legal advice. Local laws vary, so check with your broker or MLS if unsure.

How the fair housing ad checker works

  1. Paste your copyPaste MLS remarks, a social media post, a flyer or an ad. The check runs in your browser and nothing is sent anywhere.
  2. See flagged phrasesWords that state a preference or limitation are highlighted in red, and phrases often read as steering are highlighted in amber.
  3. Rewrite with the suggestionEach flag explains why it matters and gives a safer way to say the same thing by describing the property.

Frequently asked questions

What words should you avoid in real estate listings?

Avoid any wording that describes who should live in the home rather than the home itself. Examples include adults only, no children, perfect for a young couple, ideal for empty nesters, no Section 8, Christian home, or pointing to a nearby church as a reason a certain group would like the home. Describe features, rooms and nearby places instead.

Is it a fair housing violation to say family room or master bedroom?

No. HUD advertising guidance treats family room as a description of a room, not of the buyer. Master bedroom is not a violation, though many brokerages and MLSs now prefer primary bedroom or primary suite.

Can I say a neighborhood is safe?

It is best avoided. Safe neighborhood and exclusive area are often read as steering because they imply who lives there. Use facts instead, such as the distance to a park, the year the community was built or features like a gated entrance.

Which classes does the Fair Housing Act protect?

The federal Fair Housing Act protects race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status and national origin. Many states and cities add more, such as source of income, age, sexual orientation and gender identity.

Is this checker legal advice?

No. It is based on HUD advertising guidance, including the 1995 Achtenberg memorandum, and published fair housing word lists. It helps you catch common problems, but your broker, MLS and local law have the final say.

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