Don’t forget to write references.

Avoiding Discriminatory Language in Property Listings

Checks and balances on language used in property listings are important to promote an inclusive environment for people looking for rental or sale properties. Discrimination is unlawful and you can face legal consequences if you advertise using discriminatory language. As such, it is important to be aware of the different language you should avoid to avoid discrimination based on age, gender, race, ability, religion, and national origin.

Why is Avoiding Discriminatory Language in Property Listings Important?

Discriminatory language in property listings works as a barrier to finding the right home, while also perpetuating inequality in the rental and housing markets. Using discriminatory language in property listings can lead to feelings of anger, frustration, and insecurity among those targeted by the discriminatory language. By avoiding using discriminatory language in property listings, you can help create a welcoming and inclusive environment for prospective tenants and buyers.

What Types of Language Should I Avoid?

In general, you should avoid using language that could potentially disparage or exclude any particular group of people. Specifically, you should avoid language that could be interpreted as discriminatory or offensive based on certain criteria, such as age, gender, race, ability, religion, and national origin.

Age-Related Language

You should avoid using language that could be interpreted as ageist, such as “young couples preferred,” “no children,” or “seniors only.” You should also avoid referring to age limits when describing the property or amenities, such as “not suitable for children” or “not suitable for elderly tenants.”

Gender-Related Language

You should avoid gender-biased words, such as “bachelor,” “confirmed bachelors,” “master bedroom,” or “ladies’ restroom.” You should also avoid using language that could be interpreted as sexist or offensive, such as “ideal for a housewife.”

Race-Related Language

You should avoid racially charged language and phrases, such as “Asian neighborhood,” “predominantly black area,” or “European style decor.” You should also avoid language that could promote segregation, such as “separate entrances for whites and non-whites.”

Ability-Related Language

You should avoid using language that could be interpreted as excluding people with disabilities, such as “staircase only” or “elevator required.” You should also avoid referring to the property as inaccessible or unfriendly to people with disabilities, such as “this building is not wheelchair-accessible.”

Religion-Related Language

You should avoid using language that could be interpreted as favoring or excluding any particular religion, such as “ideal for church going families” or “no religious symbols in the property.”

National Origin-Related Language

You should avoid using language that could be interpreted as suggesting a preference based on national origin, such as “US-born only” or “French-speaking tenants preferred.”

How Can I Make Sure My Property Listings are Inclusive and Non-Discriminatory?

To make sure your property listings are inclusive and non-discriminatory:

• Avoid using language that could be interpreted as favoring or excluding any particular group of people.
• Be aware of the different language that could be interpreted as discriminatory or offensive.
• Refrain from using age-related, gender-related, race-related, ability-related, religion-related, and national origin-related language.
• Review your property listings prior to posting to ensure that they are inclusive and non-discriminatory.

By avoiding language that could be interpreted as discriminatory or offensive, you can help create an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone in the rental or housing market.

What Are the Consequences of Using Discriminatory Language?

The use of discriminatory language in property listings can lead to legal consequences and potential fines. For example, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) enforces the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status. If a person believes they were discriminated against based on one of these criteria, they can file a complaint with HUD. There are other laws in place to protect against discrimination based on age, gender, religion, and national origin, so it is important to be aware of your legal obligations when it comes to avoiding discriminatory language in property listings.

Conclusion

Discriminatory language in property listings can create barriers for prospective tenants or buyers and promote inequality in the rental and housing markets. By avoiding using language that could be interpreted as discriminatory or offensive, you can help create an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone in the rental or housing market. Although the consequences of using discriminatory language vary, it is important to be aware of the legal obligations you have when it comes to avoiding discriminatory language in property listings.

References

Lynum, R. (2020). What is Discrimination in Housing. Investopedia. Retrieved from https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/discrimination-in-housing.asp

United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. (n.d.). Fair Housing: It’s Your Right. HUD User. Retrieved from https://www.huduser.gov/portal/publications/fairhsg.html

What do you call a rental unit that is appropriate for any type of tenant?

A multi-family unit or a multi-purpose unit.

What are the benefits of an all-purpose rental unit?

1. Cost-Effective – All-purpose rental units generally cost less in terms of purchase price and running costs when compared to specialized equipment.

2. Flexibility – With an all-purpose rental unit, a business can switch tasks quickly and easily without having to purchase additional specialized equipment.

3. Versatility – With an all-purpose rental unit, businesses can handle multiple tasks, from digging holes to moving materials.

4. Easy at Maintenance – All-purpose rental units are typically simple to maintain and can last for years.

5. Variety – All-purpose rental units come in various sizes, enabling businesses to handle jobs of any size or complexity.

What types of items can an all-purpose rental unit be used for?

An all-purpose rental unit can be used for a variety of different purposes, such as parties, construction projects, home renovations, and other activities. It can also be used for events, such as weddings or conferences, and to store items, such as tools or furniture, either temporarily or long-term.