What does familial status refer to?

Familial status refers to the legal term used in housing law to protect certain groups of people from discrimination based on their family situation. This typically covers adults who have children under the age of 18 living with them, including pregnant individuals or those who have legal custody of children. The Fair Housing Act specifically includes familial status as a protected class, emphasizing that housing providers cannot discriminate against potential renters or buyers based on the presence of children in the household.

In this context, the correct interpretation aligns with option A, as it encompasses both individuals with children under 18 and those who are pregnant or have legal custody. By addressing this scenario, the law aims to promote fair access to housing for families and mitigate discrimination based on family composition. Choices that reference either an age threshold above 18 or restrict familial status to specific conditions do not reflect the broader protections intended under the Fair Housing Act.