PHRASES THAT REFERENCE EMPLOYMENT OR CRIMINAL HISTORY REQUIREMENTS Examples to Avoid:
“If you don’t have a criminal record and have a good job, you should qualify.”
“We have stable residents with good jobs.”
These statements can unintentionally exclude a wide range of qualified applicants. Referencing “good jobs” or making assumptions about criminal background can discourage individuals who rely on non-traditional but legitimate sources of income, such as Social Security, disability benefits, or housing assistance programs. It also suggests a narrow definition of financial stability that doesn’t reflect the diversity of today’s housing applicants. Additionally, implying that anyone with a criminal record is automatically disqualified may conflict with HUD guidance, which cautions against blanket criminal history policies due to their potential for discriminatory impact—particularly on protected classes. To ensure fairness and compliance, it’s important to communicate that your screening process considers a variety of income sources and evaluates applicants on an individualized basis. This approach helps demonstrate your commitment to equal housing opportunity while still protecting the integrity of your community.
Try this:
“We consider a variety of qualifications and sources of income” or “We encourage all interested applicants to apply.”
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