Age
If you are denied an opportunity to rent a home or apartment—or given false information about a rental—because you are over the age of 40, you are a victim of illegal housing discrimination. It is also illegal for landlords or other housing providers to treat in-place residents or their guests unfavorably because they are over the age of 40.
Examples & Warning Signs of Age Discrimination
- Refusing to rent to someone because they are over 40.
- Advertising statements like, “dynamic community for young adults,” that indicate a preference for younger people.
- “Steering” older applicants to less desirable units or buildings in an apartment development.
- More restrictive income, credit, or rental history requirements for older or retired applicants.
Exceptions & Limitations on Age Discrimination Laws
- Some housing developments can be restricted to households with at least one person 55 or older (or 62 or older). These housing developments, called “Housing for Older Persons” or “Senior Citizen Housing Developments” are allowed to reject families with children and establish other age restrictions.
- In California, fair housing laws against age discrimination do not apply to people under 40. However, fair housing laws against family status discrimination protect families with children under 18. (See the FHLP Family Status page for more information.)
If you suspect that you are a victim of housing discrimination on the basis of your age, contact the GBLA Fair Housing Law Project.