“starter homes” in listing copy is a minor Fair Housing flag

Why

On LIBOR's caution list because it implies a type (and age) of buyer. Usually harmless, but easy to avoid.

Safer wording

• 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.

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. starter homes

1 phrase to look at

• Minor “starter homes”

  On LIBOR's caution list because it implies a type (and age) of buyer. Usually harmless, but easy to avoid.

  Try: home

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

• Long Island Board of REALTORS®: Fair Housing Advertising Word and Phrase Guidelines (Mar. 2025)

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-starter, ListingLint rules v2026.10.2.