Familial status refers to what?

Familial status is a protected class under the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to discriminate in housing based on the presence of children under the age of 18 in a household. This concept includes not just adults with children but also pregnant women and anyone securing legal custody of a child.

Given this definition, the correct answer encompasses both aspects of familial status: it refers to adults with persons under the age of 18 (which directly aligns with the definition) and also considers adults with a disability as part of various protections available under fair housing laws. Thus, both conditions are relevant within the context of familial status protections, making the choice that includes both an appropriate response.

In contrast, the other choices either focus too narrowly on one aspect or misunderstand the broader category that familial status encompasses. The inclusion of both points in the correct answer means it accurately reflects the regulatory intent behind the term "familial status."