In very rare cases, a complex can refuse to rent to families with children. However, this is an extremely rare situation and will be discussed at the end of this section. In the vast majority of cases, however, it is illegal for a landlord to refuse to rent an apartment, condominium, or house to somebody because they have children. If they refuse to do so, then they are guilty of discrimination even if the landlord appears to have a good excuse.

For example, a landlord might state, “We don’t allow families with children because most of our tenants work at night and sleep during the day and kids would wake them up.” It would be illegal for a landlord to refuse to rent based upon this excuse.

As for the exception, if a community is a retirement community and is officially designated as “Over 55” or “Senior Housing,” then children may be excluded. It is very easy to spot such communities. These communities must prominently display the fact that they are “Over 55” or “Senior Housing.” If a community isn’t designated as such, then they have no legal right to exclude children.