Enter your property details and this tool will write a rental listing description you can copy and post to Zillow, Trulia, Apartments.com, or any other platform. Edit the generated text before publishing.
Property details
Tenancy details
Features
Your listing text
Edit the text below before copying or printing.
How to use this tool
- Enter the property type, number of bedrooms, and location.
- Fill in the lease terms: rent, security deposit, available date, and furnished status.
- Select the features that apply to the property.
- Click Generate listing. The tool will produce a draft description you can edit and copy.
Understanding your results
The generated text is a starting point, not a finished listing. Edit it to add any details specific to the property that are not covered by the form. Remove anything that does not apply. Most listing platforms have a character or word count limit — check this before copying.
Describe only what the property actually has. Listing features the property does not have is a misrepresentation and can result in tenant disputes or fair housing complaints.
Legal context
Rental listings must comply with the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits statements that indicate a preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability. Avoid language that could be interpreted as targeting or excluding protected classes. Security deposit limits vary by state. Many states cap deposits at one to two months’ rent — check the rules for your state before advertising a deposit amount. This tool generates listing text only and does not constitute legal advice.
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Frequently asked questions
What does the Fair Housing Act prohibit in a rental listing?
The Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. § 3604) prohibits discrimination in the advertising, sale, or rental of housing on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and familial status. This applies to the listing language itself: avoid phrases that express a preference for or against any protected class, including indirect language about neighborhood demographics or proximity to religious institutions.
What listing language should I avoid to comply with fair housing rules?
Avoid phrases such as “perfect for young professionals,” “walking distance to churches,” “quiet family neighborhood,” or any description that implies a preference for a particular demographic. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) guidance (HUD Memo, April 2016) also identifies that facially neutral criteria applied in a discriminatory pattern can constitute a Fair Housing Act violation.
What is the reach difference between Zillow, Trulia, and Apartments.com?
Zillow is the most-visited US real estate site with over 200 million monthly unique visitors as of 2024. Trulia is owned by Zillow Group and shares much of its inventory, so listing on Zillow automatically feeds Trulia. Apartments.com (CoStar Group) has a large rental-specific audience and is particularly strong for apartment buildings rather than single-family rentals. For maximum reach, list on both Zillow and Apartments.com.
How do I describe a neighborhood without violating fair housing rules?
Describe the neighborhood using factual, objective information: proximity to transit stops, walk scores, grocery stores, schools, and employers. Avoid characterizing areas by the demographics of current residents. The National Fair Housing Alliance recommends focusing on physical attributes and public data rather than social descriptions.
Which application requirements are legal and which could be discriminatory?
Landlords may require income verification, credit checks, employment history, and rental references. Requiring income of three times the monthly rent is a widely accepted standard. Requirements that disproportionately screen out protected groups, such as a no-criminal-history policy applied without considering the nature or age of the offense, may violate HUD guidance issued in 2016. Blanket bans on applicants with criminal records have been challenged under the Fair Housing Act.
What security deposit disclosures are required in the listing or lease?
Most states require the lease to state the deposit amount, the conditions under which it may be withheld, the timeframe for return (typically 14 to 30 days after move-out), and where the funds are held. Some states, such as Massachusetts, require deposits to be held in a separate interest-bearing account. The deposit amount and conditions must not be buried in fine print.
When is a lead paint disclosure required?
Federal law (42 U.S.C. § 4852d) requires landlords of properties built before 1978 to disclose known lead-based paint hazards to prospective tenants before signing the lease. The EPA and HUD’ Lead Disclosure Rule mandates providing an EPA-approved pamphlet (“Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home”) and including a lead disclosure addendum in the lease. Failure to comply carries penalties of up to $21,663 per violation.
Should I state the pet policy in the listing?
Yes. Stating the pet policy clearly in the listing reduces unqualified applications and saves time for both parties. Note whether pets are allowed, any breed or weight restrictions, and whether a pet deposit or monthly pet fee applies. Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords must make reasonable accommodations for assistance animals regardless of a no-pets policy.
How should I handle multiple applications received at the same time?
Process applications using written, objective criteria applied consistently to all applicants. Document the criteria (income threshold, credit score minimum, rental history) and apply them in the order applications were received or simultaneously if received together. HUD guidance cautions that inconsistent application processing can support claims of discriminatory treatment.
Must I accept Section 8 voucher holders?
Federal law does not require acceptance of Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, but many states and cities do. California (FEHA, 2020), New York, Illinois, and Washington, DC prohibit source-of-income discrimination, meaning you cannot refuse to rent to an applicant solely because they use a voucher. Check the laws in your specific state and city before including language about voucher eligibility in the listing.