families in which one or more children under the age of 18 live with a parent, a person who has legal custody of the child or children, or the designee of the parent or legal custodian, with the parent or custodian's written permission. Familial status protection also applies to pregnant women and anyone securing legal custody of a child under the age of 18.
Exemption: Housing for older persons is exempt from the prohibition against familial status discrimination if:
It houses at least one person who is 55 years of age or older in at least 80 percent of the occupied units, and adheres to a policy that demonstrates intent to house persons who are 55 years of age or older
It is intended for, and solely occupied by, persons 62 years of age or older
It is specifically designed and operated to assist elderly persons, as defined in a state or federal program.
If you believe that you have been discriminated against in housing, you can file a complaint of discrimination.
IMPORTANT: Landlords, housing providers, real estate agents, and brokers are required to post notices advising tenants and customers of their rights under the Act. Such notices must be accessible, as needed, to persons with visual or other disabilities that affect reading. These posters are available for printing.
What is Fair Housing?
Fair housing means all people have equal access to the housing of their choice that they can afford. Fair housing laws ensure this equal access.
Both the Missouri Human Rights Act and the Federal Fair Housing Act mandate that people have equal housing opportunities and not be subjected to discrimination in housing based upon certain protected categories, including race, color, national origin, religion, physical or mental disability, sex, or for having children in their