Louisiana Tenant Rights: Familial Status Discrimination

If you’re renting a home or apartment in Louisiana, you’re protected against discrimination based on "familial status." This means landlords generally cannot treat you unfairly because you have children, are pregnant, or are gaining custody of a child. Understanding these protections can help renters assert their rights under state and federal law.

What Is Familial Status Discrimination?

Familial status discrimination happens when a landlord, manager, or housing provider treats renters differently because:

• They have children under 18 living with them
• They are pregnant
• They are in the process of gaining custody of a child
• They are fostering or adopting a minor

Examples include refusing to rent to families with kids, setting different rules for families, or advertising “no children.”

Laws Protecting Louisiana Renters

Both federal and state laws protect against familial status discrimination:

• The federal Fair Housing Act covers all states, including Louisiana, and directly addresses familial status.
• Louisiana law also upholds these rights through the Louisiana Equal Housing Opportunity Act (Louisiana Revised Statutes § 51:2601–2626).

Who Enforces These Laws?

The main tribunal for tenant-landlord issues in Louisiana is the Louisiana Attorney General’s Civil Rights Section and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). You can file complaints with either agency.

What Landlords Cannot Do

Under fair housing laws, landlords in Louisiana may not:

• Deny you a rental or evict you because you have children or are pregnant
• Set higher deposits or rents for families with children
• Restrict you to certain units or floors because of children
• Impose different rules or amenities for renters with children
• Advertise “adults only” or “no children” (except in genuine senior housing)

There are some exceptions, such as qualified older adult (senior) communities. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to ask a housing agency.

If you suspect discrimination, start gathering any written communication or ads showing unfair treatment. This will help when making a complaint.

How To File a Housing Discrimination Complaint in Louisiana

If you believe you’ve faced familial status discrimination, you can take the following steps:

1. Complete the Complaint Form

HUD Form 903 – Housing Discrimination Complaint

• When to use: When you want to officially report housing discrimination based on familial status.
• Example: If a landlord denies your application after learning you have children, you can fill out this form.
• Submit HUD Form 903 online here, or download the PDF version.

2. Submit Your Complaint

• Send your completed HUD Form 903 to HUD or, for state handling, contact the Louisiana Attorney General's Office Civil Rights Section.
• If you prefer, you may also call HUD’s Housing Discrimination Hotline at 1-800-669-9777.

The agencies will review your complaint and investigate. They may offer mediation, require evidence from both sides, and can take enforcement action if needed.

Your Rights During Rental

As long as you’re paying rent and following your lease, it’s illegal for a landlord to harass, evict, or otherwise mistreat you simply because of your family situation. If retaliation occurs after a complaint, that’s also illegal under the Fair Housing Act.

FAQ: Familial Status Discrimination in Louisiana

1. Can a landlord deny me because I have kids?
   No, in most cases landlords cannot refuse to rent to you simply because you have children or are expecting a child.
2. What can I do if I’m already renting and face new rules for families?
   You can file a discrimination complaint with HUD or the Louisiana Attorney General if your landlord imposes unfair rules only on families with children.
3. Am I covered if I am pregnant or adopting?
   Yes, pregnancy, adoption, foster care, and gaining legal custody of a minor are all protected under familial status laws.
4. Are there exceptions for senior or adult-only housing?
   Yes. Legitimate senior housing, as defined by federal law, can legally exclude children. All other rentals are covered by fair housing protections.
5. Who can I call for help in Louisiana?
   You can contact the Louisiana Attorney General Civil Rights Section or HUD’s Housing Discrimination Hotline at 1-800-669-9777.

Key Takeaways for Louisiana Renters

• Louisiana renters are protected from discrimination based on familial status under both state and federal law.
• Filing a complaint is straightforward and free using the HUD Form 903.
• For help, reach out to the Louisiana Attorney General’s Civil Rights Section or HUD for assistance and investigation.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Louisiana Attorney General’s Office Civil Rights Section – 1-800-273-5718
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity
• Louisiana State Board of Landlord and Tenant Affairs
• Federal Fair Housing Act resource page
• Free legal help may be available from Louisiana Law Help

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1. See the official federal law: The Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 3601-3619)
2. Louisiana statute: Louisiana Equal Housing Opportunity Act, La. R.S. § 51:2601–2626
3. HUD Fair Housing Complaint: Online HUD Complaint Portal
4. State enforcement info: Louisiana Attorney General Civil Rights Section

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