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It is illegal under the Fair Housing Act to not rent to families with children. Case law has stated that a landlord cannot discourage a potential tenant or determine for them that a property is safe or unsafe for their children.

Examples of “unsafe” conditions include:

  • Steep stairways
  • The presence of a balcony
  • Busy streets
  • The presence of dangerous equipment

Case law has determined that it is up to parents to determine if a situation is appropriate for their children, not for the landlord to make that determination for them. The presence of lead-based paint is a similar situation.

If you live in Philadelphia, Southeast Pennsylvania or the Lehigh Valley and have questions about familial status discrimination in housing, contact info@equalhousing.org, 866-540-FAIR or contact us.

Resources:

Related Fair Housing Topics