Can landlords exclude tenants with children?

Our landlord is still selling up this spring, so we're still looking to move. Now that I'm working we're wanting to move closer to where I work which happens to be closer to the train station for dh to get to work, but at least half the houses for rent say no children...is that even legal?

I'm getting a bit fed up with the rental lifestyle...it's getting increasingly difficult to find a decent house that itsn't ridiculously expensive and allows children!

I could be wrong but I think private landlords can put whatever stipulations they wish on who rents their property.

I wonder why that is? It's not allowed in most places in the US, because of fair housing laws.

Yes they can.  It's not age discrimination because a child isn't legally capable of forming a contract.  It might be worth enquiring anyway as sometimes it seems like letting agents just recycyle old ads without checking the details.

I could be wrong but I think private landlords can put whatever stipulations they wish on who rents their property.

No, they can't discriminate on the grounds of race, religion and other grounds specified in the Human Rights Act.

No, they can't discriminate on the grounds of race, religion and other grounds specified in the Human Rights Act.

Ah I wasn't sure, i've seen "no children, no pets" in ads before and just figured it was because they can choose who they like. 

to be honest, children do more damage than most pets so i can understand on one level (i've got kids and pets)

But is it considered ageism? 

No, it isn't. As far as I am aware, age discrimination rights only extends to employment.

Landlords cannot discriminate as Britwife has said, but a landlord has a right to say no children, pets, smokers, housing benefit etc, and can refuse to let to someone with a bad credit rating or character history.

Vicky

But is it considered ageism? 

Nope. Otherwise it would be ageism to have over 18 or over 21 clubs, R18 movie ratings etc.

If you're a couple trying to rent a no-kid apartment, is the landlord allowed to ask you if you're planning to have kids soon?

Hmmm.  Good question.  If she does, and the answer is yes, then I guess that could be sexual discrimination.

Vicky

Except that would you try to rent a kid-free flat/house knowing full well you were intending to have kids whilst in it?  That doesn't seem quite fair.

I agree.

I guess the thing to do would be to specify a 'no kids' rule in the contract, with a six month break clause, so if someone get's pregnent, they have to move out.

Oooh, sounds harsh, but furnished flat and children, I can see why!

Vicky

Hmmm.  Good question.  If she does, and the answer is yes, then I guess that could be sexual discrimination.

Vicky

If it's a straight couple being asked, which sex would it be discrimination against?

As it's legal to exclude tenants with children, I don't think it would be unlawful to ask about plans to have children. Nosey, but not illegal.