North Carolina Renter Rights: Familial Status Discrimination Protections

Families, single parents, and pregnant renters in North Carolina are protected from unfair treatment under both state and federal law. Understanding your rights can help ensure you and your loved ones are not denied, evicted, or treated differently because of your family arrangements. Here is a clear guide for renters in North Carolina about familial status discrimination and how you can seek help if your rights are violated.

What Is Familial Status Discrimination?

Familial status discrimination occurs when a landlord treats you unfairly because you have children under 18, are pregnant, or are in the process of gaining custody of a child. This type of discrimination is illegal under the federal Fair Housing Act and is also recognized by North Carolina law.^[1]

• Denying you the opportunity to rent because you have children
• Charging you higher rent or security deposits due to your family status
• Imposing stricter lease conditions just because you're pregnant or have children
• Steering you to certain units in a building "for families"

Your Rights as a Renter in North Carolina

Both the federal Fair Housing Act and the North Carolina Fair Housing Act protect renters from familial status discrimination.^[2] This means landlords, property managers, and anyone acting on their behalf cannot:

• Refuse to rent or renew your lease because of your family situation
• Offer different rental terms, conditions, or privileges
• Harass you or your family, including making threats or unwanted remarks related to your family status

If you believe your rights have been violated, you have options to report and address the issue.

How to Report Familial Status Discrimination

If you suspect a landlord or housing provider is discriminating based on familial status, you can file a complaint through either a federal or state agency. The North Carolina Human Relations Commission (NCHRC) is the official state agency that handles these cases for residential tenants in North Carolina. You may also take your case to the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

State and Federal Complaint Forms

• North Carolina Fair Housing Complaint Form
  Download the North Carolina Fair Housing Complaint Form (PDF)^[3]
  When to use: If you experience discrimination by a landlord in North Carolina due to your familial status (for example, being denied a rental because you have children), fill out this form and submit it to the North Carolina Human Relations Commission.
• HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (Form 903)
  Submit HUD Form 903 Online^[4]
  When to use: If you wish to file a complaint at the federal level (this can be in addition to the state complaint). HUD investigates and works with state agencies in most cases for resolution.

Practical Example for Renters

If your landlord refuses to rent to you after learning you have two children, you can complete the North Carolina Fair Housing Complaint Form and submit it to the NCHRC within one year of the alleged discrimination.

What Happens After You File?

Once your complaint is filed, the North Carolina Human Relations Commission will review your case. They may contact both you and your landlord for information and could seek to resolve the issues through mediation or, if necessary, a formal hearing.^[5]

Relevant North Carolina Legislation

• North Carolina Fair Housing Act, Chapter 41A Article 3
• Entire North Carolina Fair Housing Statutes

These laws incorporate and expand upon the protections granted by the federal Fair Housing Act to ensure families with children, expectant parents, and those seeking custody are treated fairly in housing matters.

FAQ: Familial Status Discrimination in North Carolina

1. Can my landlord legally refuse to rent to me because I have children?
   No. North Carolina and federal laws make it illegal for landlords to refuse families or individuals because of children under 18, pregnancy, or adoption.
2. What should I do if my landlord changes the lease terms after learning I am pregnant?
   You can file a complaint with the North Carolina Human Relations Commission or with HUD, as this may be considered discrimination based on familial status.
3. Is it legal for a landlord to limit which units families with children can rent?
   No, "steering" renters with children to particular units or areas within a property is considered familial status discrimination under the law.
4. Are there exceptions to familial status discrimination laws?
   Yes. Housing designated for older persons (like 55+ communities) is exempt, but otherwise, landlords must follow the law.
5. How long do I have to file a complaint about discrimination?
   You typically have one year from the date the discrimination happened to file a complaint with the North Carolina Human Relations Commission.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• North Carolina Human Relations Commission (NCHRC): The main tribunal handling residential discrimination complaints. Call (919) 807-4420 or email humanrelations@doa.nc.gov.
• HUD Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity: File discrimination complaints online or learn more about federal protections.
• North Carolina Justice Center – Housing Program: Renter education and legal support services.
• Legal Aid of North Carolina: Free legal resources and assistance for tenants facing discrimination.

---

1. United States Department of Justice: The Fair Housing Act
2. North Carolina General Assembly: North Carolina Fair Housing Act (N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 41A, Article 3)
3. North Carolina Department of Administration: Fair Housing Complaint Form
4. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
5. North Carolina Human Relations Commission: NCHRC Contact

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations