Introduction
Many families worry whether landlords can refuse to rent to them simply because they have children. This is a common concern for parents looking for a new home, especially in a competitive rental market. Understanding your rights is crucial, as the law offers important protections to prevent unfair treatment based on family status.
In the UK, it is generally unlawful for landlords or letting agents to discriminate against you for having children. Housing laws are designed to protect tenants from being treated unfairly, whether that’s during the application process or once you move in. Landlords cannot refuse your application, set different terms, or offer you a tenancy on less favourable conditions just because you have children. This protection is part of broader rules against discrimination when applying to rent, which cover other factors such as race, disability, and gender. For more details on these protections, see our guide on Discrimination When Applying to Rent.
Despite these rules, some families still face subtle forms of discrimination. For example, a landlord might say the property is “not suitable for children” or claim they prefer tenants without kids. If you encounter this, it’s important to know that you have rights and there are steps you can take to challenge unfair treatment.
Knowing your legal position also helps you spot when a landlord’s restrictions are allowed. For instance, some landlords set rules about pets or smoking. If you’re interested in learning about other common restrictions, such as those involving animals, see our section on What Landlords Can and Cannot Do About Pets.
Being informed empowers you to stand up for your rights and find the right home for your family. This page will guide you through the key legal protections, what landlords are allowed to do, and where to seek help if you face discrimination because you have children.
Legal Protections Against Discrimination for Families with Children
The Equality Act 2010 is the main law in the UK that protects people from discrimination, including when renting a home. Under this law, it is generally unlawful for landlords to treat you unfairly because you have children. This protection applies whether you are looking to rent privately or through a letting agent.
Having children is regarded as part of your family status, which falls under the concept of ‘protected characteristics’ in the context of housing. Landlords cannot refuse to rent to you solely because you have children, nor can they offer different terms or conditions for families compared to other applicants. For example, a landlord cannot say, “No children allowed,” in a property advert, or reject your application just because you mention you have a child.
The Equality Act 2010 makes it clear that direct discrimination – such as refusing to rent to families with children – is not allowed. This law helps ensure that families are treated fairly and given the same opportunities as other applicants. For more details on how protected characteristics work in rental situations, see our guide on Protected Characteristics: Discrimination When Applying to Rent.
If you feel you have been treated unfairly because you have children, you have the right to challenge this. The Equality Act provides a legal framework to help you spot and address discrimination. For practical steps on recognising and responding to unfair treatment, visit Know Your Rights: How to Spot and Challenge Rental Discrimination.
For official government guidance on your rights under the Equality Act 2010, you can read more about types of discrimination and protected characteristics on GOV.UK. If you want a deeper understanding of the law and its implications for renting with children, see the Equality Act 2010: guidance on GOV.UK.
Understanding these legal protections can help you feel more confident when applying for a rental property with your family. If you face discrimination, support and advice are available to help you take action.
When Can a Landlord Refuse Tenants with Children?
Landlords in the UK are not allowed to reject tenants simply because they have children. This would usually count as unlawful discrimination. However, there are some situations where a landlord may lawfully refuse to let a property to families with children, as long as the reasons are genuine and not based on prejudice.
Legitimate Reasons for Refusal
A landlord might refuse tenants with children if the property is genuinely unsuitable or unsafe for young occupants. For example:
- Safety concerns: If a flat is located above a business that uses hazardous materials, or if there is no secure window or balcony guarding, the landlord could argue the property is not safe for children.
- Property size and suitability: If a one-bedroom flat is too small for a family, or if local housing regulations set a maximum number of occupants for health and safety, the landlord can refuse an application on these grounds.
- Legal restrictions: Some properties, such as retirement homes or purpose-built student accommodation, have legal restrictions on who can live there. In these cases, refusing tenants with children is lawful.
What Is Not Allowed
Landlords cannot use "having children" as a blanket reason to reject tenants. For example, advertising a property as "no children" or turning down all families without considering their application is likely to be unlawful. This kind of behaviour could be challenged under the Equality Act 2010, which protects against discrimination related to family status.
The key difference is whether the refusal is based on the actual suitability of the property, or on a general policy against families. If the property is safe, suitable, and there are no legal restrictions, a landlord cannot lawfully reject you just because you have children.
Examples and Practical Advice
If you are told a property is not suitable for children, ask the landlord to explain their reasons. If the explanation relates to safety or overcrowding rules, this may be legitimate. But if the landlord cannot provide a clear, property-based reason, it could be discrimination.
It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the official rules governing renting, such as those set out in the Housing Act 1988. This legislation covers the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants.
For those interested in related rights, you might also want to learn what landlords can and cannot do about pets, as similar legal principles often apply.
If you believe you have been unfairly refused a tenancy because you have children, you can seek advice from Citizens Advice or your local council’s housing department. They can help you understand your rights and guide you on the next steps.
What to Do if You Face Discrimination for Having Children
If you believe a landlord has rejected your application because you have children, it’s important to know your rights and take action. Discrimination against families with children may be unlawful, depending on the circumstances. Here’s what you can do if you face this situation:
1. Gather Evidence
Start by collecting any evidence that shows you were treated unfairly because you have children. This could include:
- Emails, text messages, or written notes from the landlord or letting agent mentioning children as a reason for rejection.
- Advertisements or listings that state “no children” or similar phrases.
- Notes of conversations where your family status was discussed.
Keep a record of dates, times, and details of all interactions. This evidence will be important if you decide to make a complaint or take legal action.
2. Seek Advice and Support
There are organisations that can help you understand your rights and what to do next. Housing advice centres, such as your local council’s housing team, can offer guidance. You can also contact legal support services if you need more detailed advice.
Citizens Advice is a trusted source for information on dealing with discrimination in housing. They provide step-by-step guidance on how to recognise and challenge unfair treatment. Visit Discrimination in housing – Citizens Advice to learn more about your options and how to get support.
3. Make a Complaint
If you have evidence of discrimination, you can make a formal complaint to the letting agent or landlord. Explain clearly why you believe you were treated unfairly and provide the evidence you have gathered. Ask for a written response.
If the issue is not resolved, you may be able to escalate your complaint to a redress scheme if the agent or landlord is a member, or consider contacting your local council’s housing department for further help.
4. Take Legal Action
If complaints do not resolve the issue, you might consider taking legal action. Discrimination cases can be complex, so it’s a good idea to seek legal advice first. An advisor can explain your options, such as making a claim in the county court.
For more detailed steps on spotting and challenging rental discrimination, see our guide on What to Do if You Face Rental Discrimination.
Facing discrimination can be stressful, but support is available. Taking these steps can help you protect your rights and find a fair place to live.
Other Related Discrimination Issues in Renting
When looking for a place to rent, families are not the only group who may face unfair treatment. Discrimination in renting can happen for many reasons, some of which are illegal under UK law. For example, some landlords may try to reject tenants simply because they receive housing benefit or Universal Credit. If you want to know more about this issue, see our guide on whether a landlord can reject you for being on benefits.
It’s important to understand that the law protects people from discrimination on several other grounds, known as ‘protected characteristics’. These include race, disability, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, and more. If you feel you have been treated unfairly when applying to rent a property, you may have legal rights to challenge this behaviour.
To help you recognise the signs of discrimination and understand what steps you can take, read our advice on how to spot and challenge rental discrimination. Knowing your rights can make a real difference and help ensure you are treated fairly during your search for a home.
Additional Support and Housing Options for Families with Children
If you are finding it hard to secure a private rental because you have children, you are not alone. There are supported and specialist housing options designed to help families who need extra support or who face barriers in the private rental market.
Supported and specialist housing provides safe, suitable accommodation for families who may be struggling with issues like homelessness, domestic abuse, disability, or financial hardship. These housing schemes often include extra help, such as on-site support staff, access to childcare, or links to local services. This can make a big difference for families who need more than just a roof over their heads.
You might be eligible for Supported and Specialist Housing if you are at risk of homelessness, living in unsafe conditions, or have specific support needs. These homes are managed by local councils, housing associations, or charities, and they aim to offer a stable environment while helping you work towards independent living. The National Housing Federation – Supported housing explains the different types of supported housing available and how they can benefit families with children.
If you are unsure about your rights or what support is available, it’s important to seek advice. You can also read our Help if You Have Children: Legal Overview for more information on legal protections and additional support for families.
If you are facing unfair treatment or difficulties finding a suitable home for your family, Contend’s AI Legal Assistant can help. You can get clear, personalised answers about your rights as a tenant, guidance on how to challenge discrimination, and practical steps to access supported housing. Contend can also help you draft letters to landlords or local authorities, making sure your case is clearly presented and your legal rights are protected.
