Can my landlord refuse to rent to me because I have a child?

No, that is illegal.

Is It Legal for Massachusetts Landlords to Deny Rentals to Families Due to Lead Paint Concerns?

No. Under both Massachusetts law and federal Fair Housing protections, Massachusetts lead paint discrimination is illegal. Landlords cannot refuse to rent to a family simply because they have a child—even if the property contains lead-based paint.

Familial Status Discrimination and the Law

This form of denial is known as “familial status discrimination” and is strictly prohibited by:

Landlords must comply with lead safety requirements rather than using lead paint as a reason to deny housing.

Landlords’ Legal Obligations for Lead Safety

If a family with a child under six applies to rent a home built before 1978, landlords must either:

Tenants cannot be asked to waive their rights or sign disclaimers about lead paint hazards.

What to Do if You Face Discrimination

If you suspect Massachusetts lead paint discrimination or are denied housing due to having a child:

How MKC Associates Can Help

Lead laws are designed to protect children’s health—not to restrict families from safe housing. MKC Associates Home Inspection helps both tenants and landlords:

Understanding your rights helps ensure fair treatment and safe housing for all Massachusetts families. For more information, visit the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD).

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