Can you say “55+ community” in an MLS listing? It depends

Why

Lawful only if the property qualifies as housing for older persons (HUD program, 62+ for all residents, or 55+ for at least 80% of units with a supporting policy). Confirm with the HOA/developer before advertising it.

Safer wording

There's no one-click rewrite for this one. Describe the property, not the people, and rewrite this part by hand.

What the tag means

Depends means it's fine or not depending on how it's used. Read the reason, then decide for your sentence.

What ListingLint matches

This rule is tested against its own examples on every change. It catches 55+ community. It deliberately does not fire on: Sits on 55+ acres.

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. 55+ community

1 phrase to look at

• Depends “55+ community”

  Lawful only if the property qualifies as housing for older persons (HUD program, 62+ for all residents, or 55+ for at least 80% of units with a supporting policy). Confirm with the HOA/developer before advertising it.

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

Familial status means a household with one or more children under 18 living with a parent or legal custodian (or that person's designee). It also covers anyone who is pregnant or in the process of getting legal custody of a child. Housing that qualifies as housing for older persons has a separate exemption with its own requirements.

• Fair Housing Act definitions, 42 U.S.C. § 3602
• Housing for older persons exemption, 42 U.S.C. § 3607(b)

Sources

• Housing for older persons exemption, 42 U.S.C. § 3607(b)
• Long Island Board of REALTORS®: Fair Housing Advertising Word and Phrase Guidelines (Mar. 2025)
• 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 children allowed Avoid
• adults only Avoid
• one child only Avoid
• one person only Depends
• ideal for young families Avoid
• great for families Caution
• family friendly Caution
• safe for kids Caution

All familial status 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 fam-55-plus, ListingLint rules v2026.10.2.