Housing Discrimination Against Persons with Children
Effective Jul 9, 2004MGL c. 151B, § 3Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination
- (1) Applicable Law. M.G.L. c. 151B, § 4, subsection 11 prohibits discrimination in the leasing or renting of accommodations to any person because the person has a child or children who shall occupy the premises with such person.
(2) Definition of Children.
- (a) For the purposes of 804 CMR 2.02, a child is any individual who has not yet attained the age of 18 years.
- (b) For the purposes of 804 CMR 2.02, discrimination against persons with children shall extend to women who are pregnant.
- (c) For the purposes of 804 CMR 2.02, discrimination against persons with children shall extend to persons who are in the process of securing legal custody of a child or children.
(3) Examples of Unlawful Practices. Examples of unlawful practices under 804 CMR 2.02(3) include but are not limited to the following:
- (a) Refusing to rent to families with young children because of lead paint in the unit.
- (b) Refusing to allow families with young children to live above a certain floor.
- (c) Charging a higher rent or security deposit to families with children.