Our commitment
What this means in practice.
- Listings on Student Spots are scanned at publish for protected-characteristic language. Anything that suggests a preference is blocked before going live.
- Hosts may not screen, communicate with, or reject Renters based on a protected class. Hosts who do are removed from the Platform.
- Marketing copy, search filters, and recommendation surfaces are designed not to convey preferences that map to protected classes.
- We document and audit our enforcement actions so we can review them and improve the floor over time.
Protected classes
What we won't allow on the Platform.
Listings, messages, or filtering based on any of these is a violation. The list reflects federal Fair Housing Act and Massachusetts c. 151B (which is broader than federal).
Race
Color
Religion
National origin
Sex
Sexual orientation
Gender identity
Familial status
Disability
Age
Ancestry
Marital status
Veteran / military status
Source of income
Public assistance recipient
Genetic information
For Hosts
What you can and can't write in a listing.
Roommate-matching scenarios are nuanced. When in doubt, describe the unit, not the person you're hoping to live with.
Allowed
- Description of the unit (beds, baths, square footage, amenities)
- "Furnished" / "unfurnished" and what stays with the unit
- Proximity to specific campuses or transit (factual)
- Lease term and dates
- Smoking / no-smoking policy
- Pet policy (specific to the unit, not the renter)
Not allowed
- "Female only" or "male only" preferences
- "Christian household" or any religious preference
- "No kids" / "ideal for couples without children"
- Anything implying a preference based on race, ethnicity, or national origin
- Restrictions on Section 8 / housing vouchers (banned in MA)
- "Native English speakers preferred" or similar language proxies