Who can discriminate against families with children under fair housing laws?

The correct answer highlights that only owners of senior housing can legally discriminate against families with children under certain conditions. The Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on familial status, allows for specific exemptions for senior housing developments that are designed to provide housing exclusively for older adults.

Typically, these exemptions apply to communities where at least 80% of the units are occupied by at least one person aged 55 or older, allowing them to restrict occupancy rules to exclude families with children. This is a unique situation with clear legal stipulations, contrary to the broader principle that no other property owners, whether residential landlords or local government agencies, can legally discriminate against families with children based on fair housing laws.

Understanding that senior housing is a specialized category helps clarify why other property owners do not enjoy this exemption, reinforcing the intent of fair housing laws to prevent discrimination against families with children.