Fair housing law - why can't I discriminate against children?

Question

Since when did children (or parents) become a protected class?

I'm the owner of a home converted into three individual units. The house is old and the walls are thin, and the tenants can hear a lot of what goes on in the other units--specifically kids running around, crying, etc.

Why can I not choose to deny housing to families on this property? It's not unreasonable to do so, given the conditions there. The other tenants (both childless couples) should not have to be subjected to stomping, running, jumping, crying, screaming, etc.

Can anyone explain when did kids/parents become a protected class, is there any way around this, are state laws different, etc.? Thank you!

Answer 1

You can have whomever you want live in your home,its yours,you own it. Yes,I think they do have a law on the books that says you cannot intentionally write(in advet.) or say verbally that you forbid children in your tenant space. Your screening your prospective tenants arent you? So,if someone comes to look at your apartment,make darn sure the prospective tenant(s) are the ones you want living there.

Answer 2

Because right or wrong that is the LAW...you can not and are not allowed to assume the worst of anyone...that is like assuming that a black will rob the place or a white is a secret member of the KKK...you cant assume that kids will cause trouble or make noise...if they do...give a notice to cease and if it doesn't stop a notice to terminate and evict them...that's all you can do legally

Other wise you can be sued and lose the property...THAT'S THE LAW

Answer 3

The law says Equal Oppertunity that means everyone can be considered. No one said you have to rent to them. You can rent the apartment to whom ever you choose. As long as you do not prevent all people from appling. Be smart, think, there are many ways to get what you want. Mellow out , don't show your emotions and share your opinions about your present feeling about children living in your building. The right renter will come along.

Answer 4

You may want to consider investing in sound proofing. I don't like to hear what someone is watching on TV anymore than I like listening to a kid crying.

The noisiest neighbors that I had often did not involve children but just obnoxious, inconsiderate adults. And that is part of the life of renting an apartment, if you don't like it you buy a house.

There are ways to specify a bracket but I think only for 65 and over, I'm not sure what the constraints are.

Answer 5

right i see why it yould be the law and i see your problem..the only way i know is you have to come up with a different reason like if you called them back say you found someone that was more qualified or you needed someone more qualified or say there credit check was not as good as you were looking for or whatever kind of info you get from them say somethin was not right you dont have to word any of these the way i did but you at least get the idea..

Answer 6

i think the only way around it is if you make it strictly senior housing or collage houseing but if you are just renting then you have to follow the fair housing laws sorry.

Answer 7

I thought you could deny children living on the property?

Answer 8

Well i figure its your property...you should be able to allow whoever you want to live on it! But if they are already there you can evict them for noise after you give them several warnings...lol

Answer 9

You don't have to accept them as tenants- just don't give them a reason.

Answer 10

They'll grow up eventually.