What kind of discrimination is barred by the Fair Housing Act regarding families?

The Fair Housing Act specifically prohibits familial status discrimination, making it illegal to discriminate against individuals and families because they have children under the age of 18. This protection extends to pregnant women and anyone in the process of obtaining legal custody of a child. The intent behind this provision is to ensure that families with children have the same housing opportunities as those without children.

Familial status discrimination can manifest in various forms, such as refusing to rent to families, setting different conditions for families compared to nonfamilial households, or advertising properties in a way that suggests a preference for tenants without children. By affirming this type of discrimination, the Fair Housing Act aims to foster an inclusive and equitable housing market.

The other types of discrimination mentioned—income level, gender, and age—while significant in their own contexts, do not fall under the protections specifically provided by the Fair Housing Act regarding familial status. For instance, while discrimination based on income is prevalent, it is not addressed directly by the Fair Housing Act.