“handicap” in listing copy is a minor Fair Housing flag

Why

"Handicap" is on the caution lists. "Accessible" is the modern, neutral word, and accessibility features are lawful to describe.

Safer wording

• accessible

What the tag means

Minor means it's usually fine and worth a second look. Treat it as a style question more than a legal one.

What ListingLint matches

This rule is tested against its own examples on every change. It catches handicap. It deliberately does not fire on: handicap accessible bathroom.

Check your own wording

Paste a sentence or your whole listing. It runs ListingLint's real rule engine in your browser, and nothing is uploaded. handicap

1 phrase to look at

• Minor “handicap”

  "Handicap" is on the caution lists. "Accessible" is the modern, neutral word, and accessibility features are lawful to describe.

  Try: accessible

A word check, not a legal review. Open the full checker for fixes, the fact lock and the MLS character count.

What the law covers here

The federal statute uses the word "handicap" and defines it as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a record of one, or being regarded as having one. Describing accessibility features of the property is generally fine. Describing which people can or can't live there is what gets flagged.

• Fair Housing Act definitions, 42 U.S.C. § 3602
• Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. § 3604(c)

Sources

• CRMLS Fair Housing Word & Phrase List (Apr. 2021)
• Fair Housing Advertising Word and Phrase List (New York Press Assn.; source: Oklahoma Press Assn.)

Related phrases

• no wheelchairs Avoid
• not suitable for wheelchairs Avoid
• able-bodied only Avoid
• agile Caution
• crippled Avoid
• no hiv Avoid
• no group homes Avoid
• non-drinkers only Avoid

All disability phrases on one page · The 12-check listing checklist

Not legal advice. Word lists can't judge context, and laws differ by state and city, with some protecting more classes than federal law does. If you're unsure about a listing, ask your broker or a fair housing attorney. Rule dis-handicapped, ListingLint rules v2026.10.2.