Which of the following is the best example of non-discriminatory language, according to HUD's guidelines for the Fair Housing Act?

• A. Male seeking female roommate
• B. Female seeking female roommate
• C. Family seeking housing with no gender restrictions
• D. Senior housing advertised as 'adults only'

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is using language in housing ads that does not express or imply a restriction based on a protected characteristic. HUD’s guidelines discourage statements that limit who can apply or live in a property because of sex, race, age, family status, etc.

The phrase that shows a personal matching scenario without establishing a blanket policy is the best choice. It describes what the seeker is looking for—same-sex roommates—without proclaiming that everyone must fit a gender-based rule for the housing itself. This is viewed as a neutral, situational preference rather than a policy applied to all applicants.

The other options show clearer discriminatory implications: declaring a gender-based restriction for the roommate pool, advertising “adults only” for age, or implying restrictions that could exclude families or other groups. These kinds of statements run afoul of non-discriminatory housing language guidelines, which seek to avoid preferences or exclusions tied to protected characteristics.