Which law prohibits discrimination based on familial status in rental housing?

The Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 is the law that specifically prohibits discrimination based on familial status in rental housing. This act built upon the original Fair Housing Act of 1968 by adding protections for families with children, pregnant women, and individuals in the process of securing custody of children.

Familial status means that it is illegal to discriminate against families with children under the age of 18. This reinforces the principle that housing opportunities should be available to everyone regardless of family composition, thereby promoting equal access to housing for families. The Fair Housing Amendments Act plays a crucial role in ensuring that families are not unfairly treated or denied housing options due to the mere presence of children.

In contrast, while the Illinois Human Rights Act also addresses various forms of discrimination in housing, including familial status, the specific federal guideline that enshrines this protection is the Fair Housing Amendments Act. The Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 focus on preventing discrimination based on disabilities rather than familial status, making them relevant to different aspects of housing discrimination.