Can a landlord deny a rental application because the applicant has children in accordance with Fair Housing Law?
No, in accordance with Fair Housing Law, a landlord cannot deny a rental application because the applicant has children in North Carolina. The Fair Housing Act of 1968, as amended by the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, or advertising of residential properties based on race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, or disability. "Familial status" includes the presence of children under the age of 18 in the household, as well as pregnant women and people who have custody of a minor child. Therefore, a landlord in North Carolina may not deny or reject a rental application because it involves a family with one or more children. This includes refusing to rent to families with children, making housing unavailable to them, making negative comments about families with children, or charging families extra deposits for damages that could be caused by children. Furthermore, landlords must not limit their advertising to exclude families with children. By law, landlords must treat all potential tenants equally and fairly during the rental process. In North Carolina, landlords can reject a rental application based on other criteria such as credit reports, rental history and income. However, they must treat everyone with dignity and respect throughout the rental process. Although a landlord is allowed to set occupancy limits, they must also ensure that these limits comply with state and local laws. By adhering to the Fair Housing Act, landlords can help protect their tenants’ rights and ensure a fair and equitable rental process.
Related FAQs
Are all landlords required to comply with Fair Housing Law?What are the consequences of failing to comply with Fair Housing Law?
Does Fair Housing Law apply to all public and private housing?
Are there any special rights for tenants who are victims of domestic violence under Fair Housing Law?
Do landlords have to honor accommodations requested by tenants in accordance with Fair Housing Law?
Are landlords allowed to set different rental rates for different tenants in violation of Fair Housing Law?
Are landlords required to honor existing leases in accordance with Fair Housing Law?
Are landlords allowed to screen tenants based on their ethnicity in violation of Fair Housing Law?
Are landlords required to provide certain services and amenities to tenants in accordance with Fair Housing Law?
Are landlords allowed to advertise properties only to certain groups in violation of Fair Housing Law?
Related Blog Posts
What is Fair Housing Law and How Does it Impact Home Ownership? - July 31, 2023Understanding Your Rights Under Fair Housing Laws - August 7, 2023
Learn How to Protect Yourself from Housing Discrimination Under Fair Housing Law - August 14, 2023
What is Covered Under the Fair Housing Act and How Does it Affect Landlords? - August 21, 2023
Navigating the Complicated Rules and Regulations of Fair Housing Law - August 28, 2023