Understanding Family Status Discrimination in Pennsylvania Rentals

As a renter in Pennsylvania, you have important legal rights protecting you and your family from unfair treatment based on your family situation. Familial status discrimination—illegal under both federal and state law—means a landlord, property manager, or housing provider cannot treat you differently because you have children or are pregnant. Understanding how Pennsylvania's laws work can help you stand up for your rights and create a safer experience for your household.

What Is Familial Status Discrimination?

Familial status discrimination involves unequal treatment of renters who have children under 18, are pregnant, or are in the process of securing custody of a child. This protection applies to leases, applications, renewals, evictions, advertising, and every step of your housing search.

• Denying rental applications because you have children
• Setting different occupancy limits or rules for families
• Charging higher security deposits or rent for families
• Restricting families to certain areas of a property

Both the federal Fair Housing Act and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act protect renters from this discrimination^[1][2].

How Are Renters Protected in Pennsylvania?

Landlords in Pennsylvania must follow strict rules under state and federal law. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) outlaws discrimination in all residential rental situations, whether it’s a large apartment complex or a single dwelling, with very few exceptions^[2].

• Your landlord cannot refuse to rent, renew, or set different terms for your lease based on whether you have children or are pregnant.
• It's also illegal to advertise units as “adults only” or limit families to specific sections.
• If you believe you’ve experienced discrimination, you can report it to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC).

When Exceptions May Apply

There are limited exclusions—for example, rental housing operated by certain religious organizations or private clubs that give preference to members. Most rentals in Pennsylvania, however, must comply fully with these anti-discrimination laws.

How to File a Familial Status Discrimination Complaint

If you’ve experienced discrimination, you have the right to file a complaint with the PHRC or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Complaints must usually be filed within 180 days of the discriminatory act (under PHRA) or within one year (under the federal Fair Housing Act).

• PHRC Housing Discrimination Questionnaire (Form no. PHRC-1): Use this form if you believe you've been discriminated against due to familial status. It's used to provide details about your case so the PHRC can open an investigation. Download the PHRC Housing Intake Questionnaire
• Complete the form with basic information about your landlord, the rental, and what happened. You may submit it online, by mail, or in person at a PHRC office.
• Include as much evidence as possible—emails, letters, or witness statements can all help your case.

The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission will investigate and may hold a hearing if evidence suggests discrimination occurred. Their official complaint process page has full details and step-by-step instructions.

What Legislation Applies?

Two primary laws protect you:

• Federal Fair Housing Act (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968)
• Pennsylvania Human Relations Act

These laws are enforced by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC), which acts as the official tribunal for housing discrimination complaints in Pennsylvania^[2].

What Happens After You File a Complaint?

Once your complaint is submitted:

• The PHRC reviews your case and may offer mediation.
• If mediation fails, they’ll investigate further and could schedule a formal hearing.
• If the PHRC finds discrimination occurred, they can order remedies such as compensation, changes in policy, or requiring the landlord to rent to you.^[2]

Summary: Filing a complaint triggers a formal investigation and may result in various remedies if discrimination is proven.

FAQ: Familial Status Discrimination in Pennsylvania Rentals

1. What is familial status protection for renters?
   It means landlords cannot treat you unfairly because you have children, are pregnant, or are seeking custody of a child.
2. How can I prove I've experienced familial status discrimination?
   Collect evidence such as emails, texts, leases with discriminatory terms, or statements from witnesses to support your case.
3. How long do I have to file a complaint in Pennsylvania?
   You generally must file with the PHRC within 180 days from when the discrimination happened.
4. Can a landlord refuse to rent to families with children?
   No, except for narrow exceptions (such as certain senior housing communities), this is illegal under both Pennsylvania and federal law.
5. Where do I submit my housing discrimination complaint?
   Submit complaints to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) using the official form.

Key Takeaways for Pennsylvania Renters

• The law protects you from family status discrimination, including having children or being pregnant.
• If you face discrimination, file promptly with the PHRC—keep all relevant documents.
• Direct support and complaint resources are available should you need assistance.

Understanding your rights reduces stress and helps ensure equal and fair treatment.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC): Official complaints, investigation info, and legal guidance
• HUD Fair Housing Complaint Portal: File a federal housing discrimination complaint online
• PA Office of Attorney General – Tenant Rights: General renter protections, contact information, and complaint forms

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1. Federal Fair Housing Act
2. Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA)

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