Guide · Renting and leases

Renting with a Family

A friendly, practical guide to renting with children, from finding the right space and childproofing to schools, noise, neighbors and fair housing protections for families.

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Where to start

A child hurt or swallowed something?
If a child is seriously hurt, call 911. For anything swallowed, call Poison Help at 1 800 222 1222. See if a child is hurt or at risk.
Just moved in?
Childproof in the first week. Use the settling in with kids checklist.
Still looking for a home?
Bring the questions to ask before renting.

The short version

A rental can be a wonderful place to raise children with a little planning.

Childproof early: anchor furniture, cover outlets, lock up medicines and add window stops, with the owner’s permission.

Fair housing law protects families with children from discrimination in renting.

Say hello to neighbors, keep reasonable quiet hours, and share anything unsafe in writing right away.

Rules differ from place to place, so we’d gently encourage a quick look at the rules where your home is. If you ever have questions, we would love to help.

Four simple rules

1
Safety first
Childproof early: anchor furniture, cover outlets, lock away medicines and check window safety.
2
Know your protections
Fair housing law protects families with children from discrimination.
3
Be a good neighbor
A friendly hello and reasonable quiet hours go a long way.
4
Report things early
Share broken or unsafe items in writing so they can be fixed quickly.

Try it

Settling in with kids

From the guide’s own checklist. Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this device. These are examples; your home may need others.

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Childproofed in the first week: dressers and TVs anchored, outlets covered, cleaners and medicines locked up
Checked windows, stairs, railings, balconies and pool areas with your children in mind
Asked the owner before installing safety gates, window stops or anchors that need screws
Set up washable, paint friendly options, like an easel or paper roll, for young artists
Introduced yourself to neighbors and shared your quiet time habits
Taught kids where the exits are and practiced your family fire escape plan
Shared anything broken or unsafe in writing right away

If a child is hurt or at risk

Stay calm. If a child is seriously hurt, call 911 right away.
If a child swallows something harmful, call Poison Help at 1 800 222 1222.
Move children away from the unsafe area, and block it off if you can.
Take photos of what caused the problem once everyone is safe.
Share it with the owner or manager in writing right away.
Keep a record of who you told and when. You did exactly the right thing.

Save Poison Help, 1 800 222 1222, in your phone and post it on the fridge. In a scary moment, nobody wants to search.

Questions to ask before renting

From the guide. These are examples; ask anything that matters to your family.

Is the home near schools, parks and childcare?
Are there stairs, a pool, a balcony or busy streets nearby?
May we install safety gates, anchors and window stops?
Is there lead paint, and what are the noise and yard rules?

Many schools ask for proof of address. A signed lease usually works, so keep a copy handy.

Try it

For owners: welcoming families

From the guide’s checklist for owners and managers. Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this device. These are examples; your home may need others.

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Treat every applicant equally, and never refuse or steer families with children
Use reasonable, consistent occupancy standards that follow the rules where the home is
Check window guards or stops, railings, stair balusters and pool barriers
Follow the lead paint disclosure rules for older homes
Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms work, and secure any furniture you provide
Share a list of nearby schools, parks and family resources as a welcome

Test yourself

How much do you remember?

4 quick questions from this guide, with a one line why for each. Totally optional, no sign in, and your answers are never saved.

From The Perfect Series

Go deeper with The Perfect Move-In Checklist Workbook

Simple, step by step checklists you can write in for moving in: the move in walk, moving day, your first week, utilities, keys and more.

See The Perfect Move-In Checklist Workbook All books in The Perfect Series

Keep the full guide handy

The PDF has everything: everyday habits, what to do when something goes wrong, common myths, helpful resources and plenty of real-world tips. Print it, save it or share it with anyone who could use it.

Download the PDF

From the Bunklow shop

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Family, Safety and Smart Home Checklist PackThe Family, Safety and Smart Home checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.
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This guide shares general information to help you, and is not legal, medical or child-safety advice. Bunklow does not inspect homes or decide fair housing matters.