Familial Status Discrimination Attorney in Miami, Florida

Familial status discrimination refers to the unjust treatment of individuals or families with children under the age of 18, particularly in matters related to fair housing. This form of discrimination can present itself in several ways. For instance, landlords may refuse to rent to families with children or impose additional restrictions or requirements on families. They may even provide substandard housing conditions compared to tenants without children. All of these actions are not just unfair but also illegal under the Fair Housing Act. 

If you're in a situation where you suspect familial status discrimination, do not face this alone. As your attorney at J. Courtney Cunningham Attorney at Law, I serve those in Miami, Florida, and the surrounding areas of Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Orlando, Jacksonville, The Villages, and beyond. 

Take the next step forward — reach out to set up an initial consultation. Let's discuss your situation, explore your options, and start crafting a strategy tailored specifically to your needs.  

How Your Fair Housing Attorney Can Help

I've spent significant time studying and understanding the laws and regulations surrounding this type of discrimination. I am dedicated to advocating for your rights and ensuring fair housing for all. If you're facing familial status discrimination, I'm here to fight for you. 

I'll guide you through the legal process. You might need to file a complaint with a local fair housing agency or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). I'll be there to assist you every step of the way, helping you fill out paperwork and explaining each stage of the process.  

I've found success in similar situations before. In one case, a landlord was advertising "No Section 8," which is a violation of fair housing laws. I sued on my client's behalf, and the landlord was forced to pay damages to my client and comply with the law.  

Remember, you don't have to face this alone. I'm here to help you navigate this challenging situation. If you believe you are experiencing familial status discrimination, reach out to me at my office, located in Miami, Florida. Let's take a stand for your rights together.

What to Do If You're Facing Familial Status Discrimination

If you find yourself facing familial status discrimination, it's important to know what steps to take to protect your rights: 

• Collect Evidence: Start by meticulously documenting any potential evidence of discrimination. This includes keeping records of discriminatory rental ads, noting down any inappropriate remarks from landlords or housing officials, and saving communication that can signify discriminatory practices. 

• Consult with an Attorney: Seek legal advice from an attorney specializing in fair housing laws. I can provide in-depth consultation and support you through the complexity of your legal situation. 

• File a Complaint: Depending on where you live, you may need to file a formal complaint with your local fair housing agency or with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). My services include aiding in the preparation and submission of all necessary documentation for your complaint. 

• Understand Potential Remedies: Should your case succeed, possible resolutions could include monetary damages, policy reforms by the discriminating party, or court orders to cease any further discriminatory activity.  

It's essential to act promptly when facing familial status discrimination. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome. 

Examples of Familial Status Discrimination

Familial status discrimination can take various forms, and it's important to recognize the different ways it may occur: 

• Explicit Statements. Some landlords may explicitly state that they do not accept families with children as tenants, which is a clear violation of the Fair Housing Act.  

• Unreasonable Rules. Landlords may impose unreasonable rules or requirements on families with children, such as limiting the number of occupants or charging additional fees for having children.  

• Neglect Maintenance. Some landlords may neglect maintenance or repairs in units occupied by families with children, creating substandard living conditions compared to units occupied by tenants without children.  

These examples underline the importance of recognizing and addressing familial status discrimination to ensure fair and equal housing opportunities for all. 

The Fair Housing Act and Familial Status 

The Fair Housing Act is a federal law that prohibits discrimination in housing based on various protected characteristics, including familial status. Under this act, it is illegal for landlords, property managers, or housing providers to discriminate against families with children. The Fair Housing Act defines familial status as one or more individuals under the age of 18 living with a parent or legal custodian. It protects families with children from being treated unfairly or denied housing opportunities solely based on their familial status. 

Preventing Familial Status Discrimination as a Housing Provider

As a housing provider, it's crucial to understand and comply with the laws and regulations regarding familial status discrimination. Familiarize yourself with the Fair Housing Act and its provisions regarding familial status discrimination. Understand that it's illegal to discriminate against families with children in housing-related matters. Regularly review your rental policies and procedures to ensure they do not discriminate against families with children. Avoid imposing additional restrictions or requirements. 

Familial Status Discrimination FAQs

Q: What should I do if I hear a discriminatory remark? 

A: If you hear a discriminatory remark that suggests familial status discrimination, document the incident including the date, time, place, and individuals involved. This information can be vital if legal action is necessary. 

Q: Can a property have age restrictions and still comply with the Fair Housing Act? 

A: Yes, there are exceptions for housing intended for older persons, such as 55+ communities, which can legally impose age restrictions if they meet certain criteria defined in the Fair Housing Act. 

Q: Are there any scenarios where familial status discrimination might be legal? 

A: Familial status discrimination is illegal under the Fair Housing Act, except for specific exemptions like housing for older persons. Other exceptions are uncommon and would need to be in line with local, state, or federal law. 

Q: If my neighbors are discriminatory toward me due to my familial status, is my landlord responsible? 

A: While landlords are not directly responsible for the actions of other tenants, they may not ignore discriminatory harassment if it's within their control to address the situation. If the harassment is impacting your ability to enjoy your dwelling, the landlord has a duty to try to stop it. 

Q: What can I expect after filing a complaint with HUD? 

A: After filing a complaint, HUD will review the information provided to determine if it involves a possible violation of the Fair Housing Act. If it does, HUD will investigate the complaint and attempt to resolve it through conciliation or take other appropriate action. 

Q: Does the Fair Housing Act cover discrimination during the home-buying process? 

A: Yes, the Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of dwellings based on familial status, along with other protected classes, throughout the entire home-buying process.