California Civil Rights Department, Housing Discrimination

When sharing a living area in a single dwelling, the owner or occupant may state or imply that the housing is available only to person of one sex.

Housing specifically for seniors may be limited based on age.

Under some circumstances, housing for homeless youth may be limited based on age.

Can a housing provider refuse to rent to families with children?

Generally, housing providers cannot discriminate against families with children. This is called “familial status” discrimination and protections include:

Prohibiting landlords and other types of housing providers from refusing to rent to someone because their household includes children.

Requiring that admission and occupancy requirements be enforced the same for everyone, including families with children. For example, if a housing provider allows up to four people to live in a one-bedroom unit, they must allow a family of two parents and two children, or a mother or father with three children, to reside in the unit.

Prohibiting housing providers from having conditions or rules that discriminate against households with children, such as charging a higher security deposit to households with children or excluding children from playing in common areas open to other tenants.

However, housing that has been specifically designed for senior citizens (persons 55 and older in some cases or 62 and older in others) can exclude people based on age, including families with children. To qualify as “senior housing,” a housing accommodation must meet specific legally defined requirements, which may include a minimum number of units, age-based residency limits, and design features.

Is it legal to develop and market housing for seniors?

Yes, but only when the facility or community is: