A clear, safe housing listing gets approved faster and attracts better inquiries. Here's how to write one.
Keep contact and location private
- Don't put a phone number, email, or exact street address in the listing text — contact stays private by default.
- Use an approximate location: neighborhood or nearest transit stop.
Give the details people actually need
- A clear title (room/sublet/rental, furnished?, nearest campus or Metro).
- Monthly rent (or "free"), available-from date, and lease length.
- Furnished or not, utilities, and any house rules.
Keep it Fair-Housing-safe
- Describe the home, not who can live there.
- Avoid any language that expresses a preference or limitation by a protected class. See the Fair Housing policy.
Photos that build trust
- Use your own real photos in good light, from a few angles.
- No recognizable people without their consent.
Before you submit
- Run the real-listing checklist.
- Expect housing offers to get a quick review before publishing — that's normal.
Post your listing, and if you're a landlord or homeowner, read the landlord guide too.
A quick note
This guide is practical information only — not legal, immigration, or tax advice. Confirm details with official sources and your host institution.
Next steps
Helping someone who’s searching? Share this guide as a reply — see how to share helpfully.
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