At Oracle Property Solutions, we understand that rental property owners care about protecting their investments. But when it comes to tenants with children, it’s not only about minimizing wear and tear—it’s also about compliance, responsibility, and safety.
Some owners may hesitate to rent to families with children due to concerns about potential damage or liability. However, refusing to rent to tenants based on familial status is illegal under the Fair Housing Act. And when children are present, providing a safe and habitable property isn't optional—it's the law.
Here’s what every property owner should know about child safety, legal obligations, and how proactive measures can prevent costly lawsuits and tragic accidents.
⚖️ The Law Is Clear: You Can’t Discriminate Against Families
The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on familial status. That means landlords and property managers cannot deny housing to tenants simply because they have children.
The only legal exception is senior housing that qualifies under specific age-restricted guidelines. But for nearly all other rental properties, rejecting families with children is a violation of federal law.
Similarly, the Uniform Residential Landlord Tenant Act (URLTA) requires landlords to ensure their property is habitable—this includes a duty to maintain safe living conditions for everyone, including children.
🔎 Proactive Safety Measures Prevent Legal Risk
Child safety isn't just a moral priority—it’s a legal and financial one. There have been numerous cases where property owners were held liable for injuries or deaths that could have been avoided with reasonable precautions.
Here are examples of real risks that can lead to lawsuits:
Mold and pests, which can trigger asthma or severe allergic reactions
Lead-based paint or asbestos, which cause long-term health issues, especially in children
Faulty blinds with long cords, which pose strangulation hazards
Loose stair railings or damaged flooring, which can result in falls
🛠️ Child Safety Checklist for Property Owners
Oracle recommends regular inspections and safety upgrades to ensure your rental meets modern safety standards. Here’s a list of practical improvements that reduce risk and show good faith:
✔️ Install working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
✔️ Ensure doors, locks, and windows are fully functional
✔️ Use child-safe window coverings (remove blinds with long, looping cords)
✔️ Provide window screens with child-safety latches
✔️ Keep all electrical systems in safe condition
✔️ Add electrical outlet covers in accessible areas
✔️ Fix leaks promptly to prevent mold
✔️ Use non-slip strips in bathtubs and showers
✔️ Adjust water heater to 120°F or lower to prevent scalding
✔️ Arrange regular trash removal and pest control
✔️ Secure railings, stairs, and bannisters
✔️ Install child-proof latches in cabinets
✔️ Provide garage doors with motion sensors
💸 A Cautionary Tale: A Preventable Tragedy
In California, a 4-year-old child tragically died after becoming entangled in a window blind cord. The property owner failed to replace the outdated blinds with safer alternatives. The court awarded over $10 million in damages to the tenant’s family.
This tragedy—and the resulting financial penalty—could have been avoided with a simple, inexpensive safety upgrade. It’s a sobering reminder that prevention is always better than reaction.
🛡️ How Oracle Property Solutions Protects Your Investment
As your property management team, we are committed to:
Monitoring legislation that affects your rental
Performing regular inspections with safety in mind
Addressing tenant complaints promptly and professionally
Recommending preventative improvements that reduce liability
Ensuring your property complies with all safety regulations
📬 Final Thoughts
Children bring life and joy to a rental home—but they also come with unique safety needs. As a property owner, protecting those young lives is both a legal responsibility and a practical investment strategy.
At Oracle Property Solutions, we help owners strike the balance between compliance, care, and ROI. Let us help you ensure that your rental is safe, legal, and family-ready.
Have questions about your property’s safety? Contact us today for an inspection or consultation.
