A prospective tenant suspects age discrimination at 18 years old. What is correct regarding age protection?

For this question, the emphasis is on understanding the legal framework surrounding age discrimination, particularly concerning prospective tenants who are 18 years old. The assertion that age is not a protected class under federal law is correct. Under the Federal Fair Housing Act, the protected classes include race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability, but not age. Therefore, individuals below 40 years, including an 18-year-old, do not have age as a federally recognized classification for protection against discrimination in housing.

While state laws may provide additional protections, typically, federal laws are the baseline. The Age Discrimination Act of 1975 is primarily focused on prohibiting discrimination against individuals aged 40 or older regarding certain federal programs and activities, not in housing. Therefore, age discrimination based on being too young, such as at 18, would not fall under this federal act, reinforcing the argument as to why age is not a protected class under federal law.