In fair housing law, “familial status” has a specific and limited meaning: the presence of children under the age of 18 in a household. You are protected against unlawful housing discrimination because of the presence of children under 18 who are living with you, whether you are their parent(s) or legal custodian(s). Pregnant people and people who are securing custody of children under age 18 (for example, grandparents who are taking custody of a grandchild) also are protected against discrimination.
If you are denied an opportunity to buy, rent, finance or insure a home or apartment—or given false information by a housing provider—because of your familial status, you are a victim of illegal housing discrimination. It is also illegal for landlords or other housing providers to treat existing tenants or residents differently because of their familial status.
See how one woman fought rental discrimination based on her familial status.
If you believe you were discriminated against because of your family status, file a complaint.
Related Topics: Discrimination, Familial Status, File a Complaint, Warning Signs