Fair Housing Council

of Riverside County, Inc.

If You Have Children

You have a right to the housing of your choice.

Housing discrimination against families with children is no longer legal in any state in the nation. This means that families cannot be denied the housing of their choice simply because they have children, adults serving as guardians for children, and those in the process of obtaining legal custody of children (such as those who are adopting).

How to recognize housing discrimination

Landlords and real estate agents usually don't say, "We don't accept kids."

Suspect housing discrimination when these types of comments are made:

"We take younger children, but teenagers will disturb the other tenants."
"Sure,we rent to families with kids, but we need an extra security deposit."
"Only 3 people are allowed in a 2 bedroom apartment."
"Children are only allowed in the basement and first floor units."
"Our 'kids' building is full."
"This complex isn't suitable for children - no playground or open space."
"Sorry, a parent and child cannot share a bedroom."

In some very narrow circumstances it is legal to exclude families with children from an apartment or house of their choice.

Senior Housing Exemption

Housing complexes designed for older persons can exclude families if they meet certain strict criteria:

everyone in the building is over 62 years of age;
or 80% of the units have at least one occupant over age 55 and the building provides significant facilities and services to meet the needs of older persons;
or the building is part of a federal or state program that provides housing for elderly people.

Where to get help

If you have children and suspect you have experienced housing discrimination, contact:

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (1-800-669-9777/TDD: 1-800-927-9275)
Your private Fair Housing Agency.
Your state or local Civil/Human Rights Agency
The U.S. Department of Justice (1-202-514-4713).

Federal law allows owners renting a room or unit in a building with no more than four units to exclude families with children if the owner lives in one of the units. Some state/local fair housing laws, however, do not provide this exemption.

For more information on other specific issues of discrimination, please select from the following categories:

For additional information call 1-800-655-1812 or visit one of our conveniently located offices where walk-in services are available.

Return to Recognizing Discrimination
Copyright, 1998, Fair Housing Council of Riverside County, Inc.
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