Potential Fair Housing Violations, and "55 and Older" Subdivisions

Multiple Listing Services are important tools for furthering fair housing because they facilitate the widespread distribution of accurate property information to consumers. To that end, Canopy MLS monitors listings for potential fair housing violations, and potential misuse of the "55 and older" option, by examining the Community Features field within Canopy MLS. Members can also report potential fair housing violations by clicking the "report data error" icon found on the Agent Full display of the listing in Matrix, or by sending an email to [email protected]. 

If a potential violation is found or reported, Canopy MLS staff sends a courtesy/educational notice (not a fine) to the listing agent to revise the listing, or to submit the 55 and Older Statement of Qualification. If necessary, staff modifies the listing. We are following the guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) to keep both our members and our MLS out of trouble. Canopy MLS monitors for inappropriate use of the words or phrases listed below.

This list is the product of a conciliation agreement between HUD, the Fair Housing Council of Oregon and the Portland Metropolitan Area Boards and Associations of Realtors® Multiple Listing Service, Inc., and is not the product of a ruling by a court or HUD. HUD has not endorsed this list. Words not appearing on this list could be used to discriminate. Conversely, words appearing on the list will not always violate the law. 

Fair Housing and the Code of Ethics

For more information about language you should and should not use in listings and advertising, read VP of Risk Management Michele McCaskill’s article in Canopy Connects. 

"55 and Older" Subdivision List

The list below provides known "55 and Older" subdivisions that have been listed in Canopy MLS for which a 55 and Older Statement of Qualification has been received. Agents who mark listings as "55 and Older" for a subdivision that is not listed below must provide the 55 and Older Statement of Qualification to verify that the subdivision is qualified senior housing.  Additionally, if there is a concern that a subdivision listed below may no longer qualify as "55 and Older," the listing agent will be rquired to provide a new 55 and Older Statement of Qualification for the listing.