Fair Housing phrase guide / Religion
Is “with chapel” OK in a real estate listing?
OK Generally acceptable per the sources below.
Why
Describing a facility ("apartment complex with chapel") doesn't violate the Act, per HUD's 1995 memo.
What the tag means
OK means a cited source treats it as acceptable. Any alternative shown is a house-style preference some offices or MLSs ask for, not a legal requirement.
What the law covers here
Religion is a protected class under the federal Fair Housing Act. The usual problem is an ad that suggests who should live somewhere because of faith, such as naming a congregation as the reason to buy. A neutral place name with a religious word in it, like a street name, is treated differently in HUD's 1995 guidance.
Sources
About the 1995 HUD memo
HUD no longer posts the 1995 memo on its website. Oregon REALTORS reported in April 2026 that HUD removed it without notice, and HUD withdrew its April 2024 digital-advertising guidance in September 2025. The Fair Housing Act and HUD's advertising regulation (24 CFR § 100.75) didn't change. Boards and MLS word lists still lean on the memo, which is why it's still cited here, as history and as the clearest explanation of how ads are read.
- Oregon REALTORS: Fair housing compliance after the guidance reset (Apr. 17, 2026)
- LeadingAge: HUD withdraws fair housing guidance documents (Sept. 17, 2025 memo)
Related phrases
All religion 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 ok-chapel, ListingLint rules v2026.10.2.