What is familial status?

Familial status refers to a person's living arrangement in relation to their family members. This can include whether the person is single, married, divorced, widowed, or living with other family members. In some contexts, it can also refer to whether a person has children or is pregnant.

Familial status is protected from discrimination under the Fair Housing Act in the United States. This means that landlords, real estate agents, and other housing providers cannot discriminate against someone based on their familial status when renting or selling a home.

Some housing providers may have policies that restrict families with children from living in certain units or areas, but these policies are illegal under the Fair Housing Act. It is important for individuals to be aware of their rights regarding familial status when seeking housing to ensure they are not being unfairly discriminated against.