Tennessee Tenant Rights: Protection from Familial Status Discrimination

Many renters in Tennessee wonder if their family situation—such as having children or being pregnant—can affect their housing rights. Understanding how both federal and state fair housing laws protect you from familial status discrimination is essential for creating a safe home for your loved ones. This guide clearly explains your rights, steps to take if you face unfair treatment, and where to get help.

Understanding Familial Status Discrimination in Tennessee

Familial status discrimination means treating individuals or families unfairly in housing because they have children under 18, are pregnant, or are seeking custody of a child. Tennessee renters are protected from this type of prejudice under both federal and state laws.

• Covered Situations: A landlord cannot refuse to rent, set different rules, or offer different terms because you have children, are pregnant, or are in the process of adopting or gaining custody.
• This protection covers applying for a unit, moving in, ongoing tenancy, and eviction proceedings.

The federal Fair Housing Act and the Tennessee Fair Housing Act both provide clear definitions and protections.

Your Rights Under Tennessee and Federal Law

In Tennessee, landlords and property managers must treat families—meaning any household with one or more children under age 18—equally during all rental stages. The law:

• Prohibits denying a lease to families with children or pregnant tenants
• Bans advertising like “adults only” or “no children allowed”
• Forbids different rental terms, security deposits, or rules for families with kids
• Requires equal access to facilities and amenities for all tenants

This is enforced through the Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC), which investigates fair housing complaints across the state.

Filing a Fair Housing Complaint in Tennessee

If you believe you have experienced familial status discrimination, you can file a complaint with the THRC. Both federal and state processes are available and work in cooperation.

Official Form: THRC Discrimination Complaint Form

• Form Name: Tennessee Human Rights Commission Fair Housing Complaint Form
• When to Use: If you feel you were denied housing, given different terms, or harassed by a landlord because your household has children or due to pregnancy.
• How to File: Complete and submit the form to the THRC within one year of the alleged discrimination. Examples include being told an apartment is not available because you have kids. Get the official form and submission details here.

Federal Option: HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint

• Form Name/Number: HUD Form 903 Online Complaint
• When to Use: Any suspected housing discrimination covered under the Fair Housing Act at the federal level.
• How to File: Submit the complaint online, by mail, or phone. File with HUD here.

If you are unsure where to file, you can contact both the THRC and HUD; they often coordinate investigations.

Relevant Laws and Where to Get Legal Assistance

• Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC): Handles official complaints about housing discrimination.
• Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act: Outlines general tenant and landlord rights, including nondiscrimination requirements.
• HUD Fair Housing Resources: Federal protection and complaint channels.

For renters in larger cities like Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, or Chattanooga, local human rights offices may provide additional tenant support and advocacy services.

What to Do if You Suspect Discrimination

If you believe you’ve been discriminated against because of children or pregnancy, follow these steps:

• Write down dates, times, and details of any unfair treatment.
• Keep copies of ads, messages, letters, or notices that show discrimination.
• Contact the THRC or HUD for advice and report your experience promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a landlord in Tennessee refuse to rent to me because I have children?
   No. Refusing to rent to families with children under age 18, or to pregnant people, is illegal under both Tennessee and federal law.
2. Are "adults only" or "no children" apartment ads allowed in Tennessee?
   No. These are considered a form of discrimination against families with children and are prohibited.
3. What should I do if my landlord treats me differently because of my family status?
   Gather written records and evidence, then file a complaint with the Tennessee Human Rights Commission or HUD as soon as possible.
4. Is there a deadline for filing a familial status complaint?
   Yes. In Tennessee, complaints should be filed within one year of the alleged discriminatory act.
5. Does familial status protection apply if I am pregnant or adopting?
   Yes. The law explicitly covers pregnancy, adoption, and legal custody arrangements.

Key Takeaways for Tennessee Renters

• Tennessee and federal laws protect families with children—and those expecting or adopting—against most housing discrimination.
• If you suspect unfair treatment, keep detailed records and file promptly with the THRC or HUD.
• Know your rights, and don’t hesitate to seek help or advocacy if you face discrimination.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC)
  Phone: 1-800-251-3589 | File a complaint online
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Fair Housing
• Tennessee Legal Services – Free or low-cost legal help for eligible renters
• Read the Tennessee Fair Housing Act
• Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

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1. Tennessee Fair Housing Act (Tenn. Code Ann. § 4-21-601 et seq.)
2. Federal Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. § 3601 et seq.)
3. Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28)
4. Tennessee Human Rights Commission – Tribunal for housing rights

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