Nevada Tenant Rights: Familial Status Discrimination Explained

Understanding fair housing rights is crucial for Nevada renters with families. Familial status discrimination means being treated unfairly in housing due to having children under 18, being pregnant, or having legal custody of minors. Both federal and Nevada state laws protect renters from this kind of discrimination.

What Is Familial Status Discrimination?

Familial status discrimination is when a landlord treats you differently, denies housing, or puts unfair conditions on your rental because you have children, are pregnant, or live with minors under 18. This is illegal under the federal Fair Housing Act and state laws in Nevada.

• Refusing to rent to families with children
• Charging higher deposits or rent to families
• Imposing special rules only on tenants with kids
• Limiting your access to amenities because of children

In Nevada, both Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 118 – Discriminatory Housing Practices and the federal Fair Housing Act protect these rights.^[1][2]

Your Rights as a Renter in Nevada

Nevada law ensures you have equal access to rental housing, regardless of your family situation. Landlords cannot:

• Deny your application because of minor children
• Evict you or threaten eviction for having a baby
• Place adults-only restrictions (except in certain senior communities regulated under HUD rules)

Some housing providers and communities may qualify as "housing for older persons" and have exemptions, but generally, it is illegal to discriminate against renters with children.

Examples of Familial Status Discrimination

• A landlord states, “We don’t rent upper-floor apartments to families with kids.”
• A property manager only offers one-bedroom units to families regardless of actual need.

What to Do If You Face Discrimination

If you believe you have been discriminated against due to your family status, you can file a complaint with the Nevada Equal Rights Commission (NERC) or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Both agencies investigate fair housing complaints.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Nevada Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
  NERC Housing Discrimination Intake Questionnaire (no number):
  When to use: If you are a renter in Nevada and believe your landlord or housing provider discriminated against you because you have children, complete this form and submit it to the Nevada Equal Rights Commission.
  Example: A landlord refuses to process your application after learning you have two kids. Fill out and submit this form to NERC to begin a formal complaint.
• HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (Form 903)
  HUD Form 903 Online Complaint Interface:
  When to use: If you prefer to file directly with the federal government, complete HUD’s online form detailing how you were discriminated against.
  Example: You are denied a lease because you are expecting a child—file this form online to open a federal investigation.

The Nevada Equal Rights Commission is the official state agency investigating housing discrimination: visit NERC's official site.

Complaints must usually be filed within one year of the incident. Be sure to provide details, supporting documents, and names of witnesses if possible.

Relevant Nevada Law and Government Resources

• Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 118 – Discriminatory Housing Practices
• Nevada Equal Rights Commission (NERC)
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Housing

The NERC handles housing discrimination complaints in Nevada and can guide you through next steps.^[3]

FAQ: Familial Status Discrimination and Tenant Rights in Nevada

1. Can a Nevada landlord refuse to rent to me just because I have children?
   No. Unless the housing is specifically exempt (like a qualified senior living facility), refusing to rent to families with children is unlawful under Nevada and federal law.
2. What if my landlord sets special rules only for tenants with children?
   This is a form of familial status discrimination and is generally illegal. Rules that unfairly limit children's access or place different requirements on families may violate your rights.
3. How long do I have to file a complaint about housing discrimination in Nevada?
   You must file your complaint within one year of when the discrimination occurred, either with the NERC or HUD.
4. What should I do if I am evicted because I had a baby?
   Document all communications and file a complaint with the Nevada Equal Rights Commission or HUD, as this may be an illegal eviction based on family status.
5. Are any properties allowed to restrict families with children in Nevada?
   Only certain HUD-recognized "housing for older persons" (e.g., 55+ communities) can legally restrict rentals to families with children.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Renters

• It is illegal for Nevada landlords to treat you differently because of your family status.
• If you experience discrimination, file a complaint with the Nevada Equal Rights Commission or HUD using official forms.
• Documenting your experience is crucial when asserting your rights.

Understanding your protections under both state and federal law helps you secure fair and equal housing opportunities in Nevada.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Nevada Equal Rights Commission – Housing Discrimination Complaints: 1830 E. Sahara Avenue, Suite 314, Las Vegas, NV 89104; Phone: (702) 486-7161; Email: nerec@detr.nv.gov
• HUD Online Discrimination Complaint Portal
• Read NRS Chapter 118 for Nevada's Fair Housing Laws
• For legal aid and support, consider contacting Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada or similar tenant advocacy services.

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1. Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 118 – Discriminatory Housing Practices
2. Federal Fair Housing Act – Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968
3. Nevada Equal Rights Commission (NERC)

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