Understanding Discrimination Against Families with Children Under Texas Real Estate Law

What You Need to Know About Discrimination Against Families with Children in Texas

When it comes to finding a new home in Texas, families often have a tough road ahead—especially bigger families or those with kids. Now, you might wonder, can landlords or property managers legally discriminate against families with children? Let’s break it down because understanding your rights is crucial.

The Heart of the Matter: The Fair Housing Act

The Fair Housing Act (FHA) is a piece of legislation that was enacted to combat discrimination in housing. Its roots go deep into the civil rights movement and have since evolved to protect a number of different classes of people. One key aspect of the Act is that it safeguards familial status, meaning that discrimination against families with children is downright illegal.

So, what does this mean in simpler terms? Basically, if you’re a family with kids under 18 or you’re pregnant, you can’t be denied housing based on that alone.

Why Is This Important?

Families come in all shapes and sizes, and having children should never be a reason to turn someone away from a home. Imagine being a parent who’s finally ready to take that next step to secure a stable environment for your children, only to face bias because of their age. It’s not just unfair; it goes against the essence of community and support that neighborhoods thrive on.

What Are the Exceptions?

You might be asking—are there any exceptions? A common misconception is that discrimination may only apply in certain housing types. Thankfully, well-intentioned laws keep it straightforward. Discrimination against families is illegal in all cases under the FHA, not just in certain types of housing. That means landlords can't discriminate—even in non-senior designated homes.

Of course, specific local ordinances can also play a role, but they cannot contradict the protections afforded by the FHA; they can only enhance them.

Local Ordinances: What They Can Do

While the FHA serves as a federal backstop to protect families, local ordinances might go above and beyond. Some cities might have additional protections in place that further shield families—like laws preventing discrimination against single parents or requiring that communities maintain a minimum percentage of family-friendly homes. Understanding these local laws can be a game-changer when searching for a home.

The Bottom Line

Every family deserves a fair chance at finding a suitable home without the fear of being turned away because they have kids. By knowing and understanding the Fair Housing Act, you empower yourself against potential discrimination. If you ever find yourself in a discriminatory situation, don’t hesitate to reach out to local housing authorities or legal counsel to explore your options.

What’s Next?

So, what's the takeaway here? Simple: discrimination against families with children is illegal across the board in Texas under the Fair Housing Act. These laws exist to ensure that families can find housing opportunities just like anyone else out there.

Navigating the real estate market can feel daunting—especially with all the technicalities involved. Yet, by staying informed about your rights and knowing that you have a solid legal structure backing you, the journey becomes a far less daunting process. Remember, home is where the heart is—and it should be accessible to all families, no matter their size or the number of little feet running around.