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Free All-States Legal Status in the United States Form

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Legal Status in the United States Form — A declaration of immigration/legal status. CAUTION: many jurisdictions restrict or prohibit immigration-status inquiries in housing; use only where lawful.

Legal Status Declaration Fair Housing Act / State Law All-States Free PDF
Updated Q2 2026 By Tenant Screening Background Check Editorial Team Reviewed for All-States ~7 min read

A legal status in the United States form is a declaration regarding a person’s immigration or citizenship status, sometimes requested in rental or employment contexts. Important legal caution: several states and cities (including California, Illinois, and New York City) restrict or prohibit landlords from inquiring about a tenant’s or applicant’s immigration status, and the federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on national origin. Improper use of immigration-status inquiries in housing can expose a landlord to fair-housing liability. This form should be used only where such inquiries are lawful and for a legitimate, non-discriminatory purpose (such as a federally mandated verification). Before requesting immigration-status information, confirm it is permitted in your jurisdiction and consult counsel. This form does not constitute legal advice.

All-States Legal Status Declaration at a Glance

Statute

Fair Housing Act / State Law

Type

Legal Status Declaration

Parties

Use with caution

Authority

Fair Housing Act / Sta

All-States note: Many states and cities restrict or prohibit landlords from inquiring about immigration status, and the federal Fair Housing Act prohibits national-origin discrimination. Improper use can create serious liability. Use this form only where lawful and for a legitimate, non-discriminatory purpose, and consult counsel first.

Legal caution: immigration-status inquiries are restricted

Many states and cities restrict or prohibit landlords from inquiring about immigration status, and the federal Fair Housing Act prohibits national-origin discrimination. Improper use can create serious liability. Use this form only where lawful and for a legitimate, non-discriminatory purpose, and consult counsel first.

How to Use the All-States Legal Status Declaration

All-States Playbook

Identify when the disclosure is required

Confirm that immigration-status inquiries are lawful in your jurisdiction for your purpose.

Prepare the notice

Identify a legitimate, non-discriminatory reason for the request.

Provide the disclosure

If lawful and legitimate, have the declarant complete the form voluntarily.

Follow statutory timeline

Do not use the information to discriminate, intimidate, or retaliate.

Document the process

Retain securely and limit access; consult counsel if uncertain.

Generate the All-States Notice

Complete the fields below to generate a All-States legal status declaration. Service should comply with per Fair Housing Act / State Law; retain proof of delivery.

Purpose

A declaration of immigration/legal status. CAUTION: many jurisdictions restrict or prohibit immigration-status inquiries in housing; use only where lawful.

1. Parties & Property

From (Landlord / Property Manager)

To (Tenant)

2. Declaration Details

3. Notice Content

4. Signature

About This All-States Notice

A legal status in the United States form is a declaration regarding a person’s immigration or citizenship status, sometimes requested in rental or employment contexts. Important legal caution: several states and cities (including California, Illinois, and New York City) restrict or prohibit landlords from inquiring about a tenant’s or applicant’s immigration status, and the federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on national origin. Improper use of immigration-status inquiries in housing can expose a landlord to fair-housing liability. This form should be used only where such inquiries are lawful and for a legitimate, non-discriminatory purpose (such as a federally mandated verification). Before requesting immigration-status information, confirm it is permitted in your jurisdiction and consult counsel. This form does not constitute legal advice.

All-States Statutory Requirements

  • Fair Housing Act prohibits national-origin discrimination
  • State/local restrictions may prohibit the inquiry
  • Legitimate purpose required
  • No discriminatory or retaliatory use
  • Secure handling of sensitive data
  • Consult counsel before use

Delivery Methods

  • In-person signing when possible
  • E-signature per applicable e-sign law
  • Each party retains a signed copy
  • Store securely

Common Mistakes

  • Requesting status where prohibited by state/local law
  • Using status to discriminate or retaliate
  • Treating applicants differently by national origin
  • Failing to confirm legality first
  • Not consulting counsel

Best Practices

  • Confirm legality in your jurisdiction first
  • Identify a legitimate, non-discriminatory purpose
  • Keep the request voluntary where required
  • Never use status to discriminate or retaliate
  • Secure and limit access to the information
  • Consult counsel before requesting status

Bottom line

Caution: immigration-status inquiries in housing are restricted or prohibited in many jurisdictions and implicate the Fair Housing Act. Use this declaration only where lawful and for a legitimate, non-discriminatory purpose, and consult counsel before requesting status information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a legal status declaration?

A declaration of immigration/legal status. CAUTION: many jurisdictions restrict or prohibit immigration-status inquiries in housing; use only where lawful.

What law governs it?

federal Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. § 3601 et seq.) and state fair housing laws; immigration-status inquiries are restricted or prohibited in several jurisdictions

When can I use this form?

Only where immigration-status inquiries are lawful in your jurisdiction and for a legitimate, non-discriminatory purpose. Confirm legality and consult counsel first.

Do I need counsel?

For regulated, commercial, or sensitive forms, yes — have counsel review before use. Fair Housing Act / State Law and local rules apply.

What are common mistakes?

Requesting status where prohibited by state/local law; Using status to discriminate or retaliate; Treating applicants differently by national origin.

Is this a substitute for legal advice?

No. This form is a starting point and does not constitute legal advice. Consult an attorney for your specific situation.

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Legal Disclaimer: This All-States legal status declaration template is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. All-States bedbug law (federal Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. § 3601 et seq.) and state fair housing laws; immigration-status inquiries are restricted or prohibited in several jurisdictions) governs the specific notice requirements. State law may change. For All-States guidance, visit TSBC Screening Laws. Consult a qualified All-States landlord-tenant attorney before relying on this form.