Fair Housing phrase guide / Familial status
“grandma's home” in listing copy is a minor Fair Housing flag
Minor A minor flag. It's usually fine, but worth a second look.
Why
On the LIBOR, NYPA and CRMLS caution lists. It reads as a description of the ideal occupant.
Safer wording
- cottage
- classic home
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 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
- Long Island Board of REALTORS®: Fair Housing Advertising Word and Phrase Guidelines (Mar. 2025)
- Fair Housing Advertising Word and Phrase List (New York Press Assn.; source: Oklahoma Press Assn.)
- CRMLS Fair Housing Word & Phrase List (Apr. 2021)
Related phrases
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-grandma, ListingLint rules v2026.10.2.