Missouri Renters' Rights: Familial Status and Housing Discrimination

If you rent a home or apartment in Missouri, it’s important to know your rights when it comes to discrimination based on “familial status.” Under federal and Missouri law, landlords cannot treat you unfairly just because you have children under 18, are pregnant, or are securing legal custody of a child. This guide explains what counts as familial status discrimination, how Missouri laws protect you, and steps you can take if your rights are violated.

What Is Familial Status Discrimination?

Familial status discrimination means treating renters unfairly because they are parents, guardians or caretakers of one or more children under 18. This also covers situations where a household includes a pregnant person or someone in the process of securing legal custody of a child.

• Denying housing applications from families with children
• Setting different terms or rules for renters with children (for example, extra deposits or higher rent)
• Restricting families with kids to certain buildings or units
• Harassing families because of their children

This protection applies to most types of housing in Missouri, with only a few exceptions (like some senior housing communities).

Your Rights Under Missouri and Federal Law

Missouri renters are protected by both state and federal fair housing laws. The Missouri Human Rights Act (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 213.040) and the federal Fair Housing Act both prohibit familial status discrimination by landlords, property managers, or real estate agents.

• You cannot be rejected for housing because you have children
• Conditions, rent, or deposits cannot be made higher solely because of children
• You can’t be forced to live in certain areas of a building due to your family makeup
• Landlords cannot advertise properties as "adults only" (unless genuinely qualifying as senior housing)

If you feel you’ve been discriminated against, you have the right to file a complaint with the appropriate authority.

How to File a Fair Housing Discrimination Complaint in Missouri

Complaints about familial status discrimination are handled by the Missouri Commission on Human Rights (MCHR) and also by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). You can choose to file with either or both.

Official Forms for Missouri Renters

• Missouri Commission on Human Rights Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
  • When & How to Use: If you believe a landlord or housing provider discriminated against you or your family, use this form to start an official complaint with the state. You should file within 180 days of the incident.
  • Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (MCHR)
  • Practical Example: A landlord refuses your rental application because you have a toddler. You fill out this form, describing what happened and providing dates and details.
• HUD Form 903 – Housing Discrimination Complaint
  • When & How to Use: To report familial status discrimination to HUD (the federal agency), complete and submit this form electronically or by mail. You have up to one year after the incident.
  • Submit a Housing Discrimination Complaint (HUD Form 903)
  • Practical Example: The rental ad said "no children allowed." After being turned away, you submit this HUD form and attach the ad as evidence.

If you’re unsure where to file, you may submit to both MCHR and HUD. Filing with one agency will not prevent the other from helping.

Missouri's Housing Tribunal & Key Legislation

The official body for housing discrimination complaints in Missouri is the Missouri Commission on Human Rights (MCHR). They enforce the Missouri Human Rights Act, § 213.040, which safeguards renters from discrimination based on familial status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and age.

Legislation

• Missouri Human Rights Act, Section 213.040
• Federal Fair Housing Act

This legislation ensures you cannot be unfairly denied housing rights because of your family circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a landlord in Missouri refuse to rent to me because I have children?
   No. Under state and federal law, landlords cannot refuse to rent to you due to familial status.
2. What if the lease has a "no children" rule?
   Such a rule is generally illegal unless the property qualifies as "housing for older persons" under defined exemptions. Otherwise, these clauses cannot be enforced.
3. How long do I have to file a discrimination complaint?
   You must file with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights within 180 days, and HUD accepts complaints up to one year after the discrimination.
4. What evidence helps my complaint?
   Save all correspondence, advertisements, application records, and witness statements. The more details and proof you provide, the better.
5. Are there exceptions to the law?
   Yes: Certain senior housing and owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units may be exempt. Always check with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights for clarification.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Missouri law protects renters with children from discrimination when seeking or maintaining housing.
• If you believe you have experienced familial status discrimination, collect evidence and act quickly by filing a complaint with MCHR or HUD.
• Senior housing is a special exception, but most renters are covered by these protections.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Missouri Commission on Human Rights (MCHR) – File a complaint, learn your rights, or contact for guidance
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Housing – Federal complaint process and information
• Missouri Statewide Tenant Resources – Advocacy groups and guides for renters
• Call MCHR at (573) 751-3325 for tenant rights assistance

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1. Missouri Human Rights Act, § 213.040
2. Missouri Commission on Human Rights – How to File a Complaint
3. Federal Fair Housing Act
4. HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint Process

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