What designation does the Fair Housing Act give to families with children?

The Fair Housing Act designates families with children as having "familial status." This designation is specifically included to protect families with minors under the age of 18 from discrimination in housing. The intent behind this designation is to ensure that families can find housing without facing bias based on the presence of children.

Familial status is a critical element of the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on various protected characteristics, including race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and familial status. This means that landlords or sellers cannot refuse to rent or sell a property to families because they have children.

Other designations mentioned, such as senior status, are not relevant when discussing the protections specifically aimed at families with children. Senior status refers to protections for older adults, while special needs status would relate to individuals with disabilities. Protected group status is a broader term that encompasses various demographics, but it does not specifically address families with children, which is clearly articulated through the familial status designation. Thus, recognizing familial status is essential for a fair housing framework that aims to promote inclusive and equitable access to housing for families.