Phoenix Property Management - Familial Status
The federal fair housing amendments act of 1988 added two new protected classes to the Title VIII of the civil rights act of 1968, which prohibited housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, national orgin, or sex. The two new classes are "familial status" (IE: people with children under 18 years of age) and handicap. The starting point for understanding "familial" status is knowing the federal and state definition of "familial status.
Federal Law:
"Familial" status means one or more individuals who have not yet reached the age of 18 years being domiciled with:
1. A parent of another person having legal custody of such individuals or individuals; or
2. The designee of such parent or other person having such custody, with the written permission of such parent or other person.
The protections afforded against discrimination on the basis of familial status shall apply to any person who is pregnant or is in the process of securing legal custody of any individual who has not attained the age of 18 years.
State Law:
A person may not refuse to sell or rent after a bona fide offer had been made or refuse to negotiate for the sale or rental of or otherwise make unavailable or deny a dwelling to any person because of race, color, religion, sex, familial status or national organ.
A person may not discriminate against any person in the terms, conditions, or privileges of sale or rental of a dwelling, or in providing services or facilities in connection with the sale or rental because of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, or national orgin.
This does not prohibit discrimination against a person because the person had been convicted under federal law or the law of any state of the illegal manufacture or distribution of a controlled substance.
A person who knowingly refuses to rent to any other person a place to be used for a dwelling for the reason that the other person has a child or children, or who advertises in connection with the rental a restriction against children, either by the display of a sign or written or printed notice, or by publication thereof in a newspaper of general circulation, is guilty of a petty offense.
Phoenix Property Management can be full of complexities. Feel free to contact our office at 480.588.8356 Press Option 1.
