Is it legal to refuse to rent to a family with children?

• A. Yes, in all cases.
• B. No, except for housing specifically designated for older persons (55+ or 62+).
• C. Yes, if the family income is below a threshold.
• D. Yes, if the landlord doesn't live on-site.

Answer: (B)

Discrimination based on familial status is prohibited by the Fair Housing Act. In general, landlords cannot refuse to rent to a family with children because of the presence of children. The only legal exception is housing that is specifically designated for older persons (such as 55+ or 62+ communities) and that meets the requirements of the Housing for Older Persons Act. In those communities, age restrictions can be applied, provided the property is intended and operated for older persons and meets the legal criteria.

So the statement is not legal to refuse in typical rental situations, except when the property is legally designated and operated as older-person housing. The other ideas—refusing based on income thresholds or because the landlord doesn’t live on-site—do not establish a lawful exception to familial-status protections.