Can an owner refuse to rent to households with children due to concerns about lead-based paint?

Renting decisions based on familial status, such as the presence of children in a household, are governed primarily by the Fair Housing Act. This federal law prohibits discrimination against families with children in housing-related transactions. Concerns about lead-based paint, while important for health and safety, do not provide legal grounds for refusing to rent to households with children.

If a property has lead-based paint hazards, landlords are required to inform potential tenants about these hazards rather than refuse to rent to them. By doing so, they comply with both the Fair Housing Act and the regulations set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding lead-based paint. Therefore, the law prioritizes the protection of families with children, making it illegal for owners to discriminate against them solely based on that status.