This term refers to the presence of one or more individuals under the age of 18 residing with a parent or legal custodian. It also includes pregnant women and individuals in the process of securing legal custody of a minor. For example, a landlord refusing to rent an apartment to a single mother with two children would be an instance of discrimination based on this protected attribute.
The significance of this concept lies in its contribution to equal opportunity in housing. It aims to prevent discrimination against families, ensuring that all individuals have fair access to housing regardless of their family structure. Historically, families with children have faced unwarranted barriers in securing suitable housing, highlighting the necessity of this protected characteristic within fair housing laws.
