Oklahoma Tenant Rights: Familial Status Discrimination Explained

If you rent a home or apartment in Oklahoma and have children or are planning for a family, it’s important to know your rights regarding familial status discrimination. Both federal and Oklahoma state laws protect renters from unfair treatment because they have children or are expecting.

What Is Familial Status Discrimination?

Familial status discrimination occurs when a landlord treats someone unfairly because they have children under 18 in their household, are pregnant, or are seeking custody of a minor. This protection exists so families are not excluded or penalized in housing.

Your Rights as a Renter with a Family in Oklahoma

Oklahoma renters are protected by national and state fair housing laws. Landlords cannot:

• Deny you a rental just because you have children or are pregnant
• Offer different rental terms, prices, or amenities for families
• Restrict families to only certain buildings or floors
• Impose extra fees based on family status
• Harass or threaten you due to your family makeup

These rights are protected by the Fair Housing Act and the Oklahoma Fair Housing Act.^1,2

Common Signs of Familial Status Discrimination

• Being told children aren’t allowed, except in certain rare exemptions (like some senior housing)
• Asked to pay higher security deposits because you have kids
• Leasing terms that restrict family activities or occupancy without valid safety reason
• Advertisements with “no children” or “adults only” language

If you notice these practices, you may be experiencing unlawful discrimination.

What To Do If You Experience Discrimination

If you suspect familial status discrimination, you can file a complaint with both state and federal agencies. In Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Human Rights Commission – Fair Housing Unit handles housing discrimination complaints.

Official Form: Housing Discrimination Complaint

• Form Name: Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
• When to Use: Use this form if you believe you have been treated unfairly in housing because of your familial status. For example, if a landlord refuses to rent to you once they learn you have children, you can submit this complaint.
• Access the form: Oklahoma Housing Discrimination Complaint Form

Alternatively, you may also file with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) at their official online complaint portal.

Relevant Laws & Where to Get Help

The main tenancy legislation covering rental agreements in Oklahoma is the Oklahoma Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.³ The Oklahoma Human Rights Commission is the official body that investigates rental discrimination cases in the state. Their contact info and complaint process are available on their official Fair Housing Unit website.

Process: Filing a Discrimination Complaint in Oklahoma

Here’s a quick overview for renters experiencing discrimination:

• Gather your documentation (e.g., application responses, emails, deposit policies).
• Fill out the Oklahoma Housing Discrimination Complaint Form.
• Submit the form by mail, email, or in person to the Oklahoma Human Rights Commission.
• You will be contacted for follow-up information or mediation.
• If the commission finds evidence of discrimination, you may be entitled to remedies or further legal action.

Filing a complaint is free, and retaliation by the landlord for filing is illegal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord refuse to rent to me because I have children?
   No. Under federal and Oklahoma state law, a landlord generally cannot refuse housing due to familial status except in very limited exemptions, such as certain senior housing.
2. Are there any exceptions to the law protecting families?
   Yes. The main exception is for qualifying senior housing communities. These can legally refuse to rent to families with children but must meet federal criteria under the Fair Housing Act.
3. What should I do if I think I’m being discriminated against?
   Document what happened, gather communication from your landlord, and submit a complaint to the Oklahoma Human Rights Commission or HUD.
4. What happens after I file a housing discrimination complaint?
   The appropriate agency will investigate. You may be asked for more info, and in some cases, you may be offered mediation or a hearing.
5. Can a landlord charge me extra for having kids?
   No. Charging higher rent or fees because you have children violates federal and Oklahoma state fair housing laws.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Oklahoma Human Rights Commission – Fair Housing Unit: Handles discrimination complaints and inquiries.
• Contact Form & Phone: For questions or assistance on Fair Housing in Oklahoma.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Fair Housing: File federal complaints or get more information.
• Oklahoma Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Full Text)

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1. Full Text: Fair Housing Act (federal government)
2. Oklahoma Fair Housing Act (statute)
3. Oklahoma Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

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