Nation: Children Welcome, Sort of

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San Francisco may still be a mecca for sophisticated singles, but anyone with children has lately found the city by the bay to be as chilly as a fog rolling in through the Golden Gate. A recent survey by the San Francisco Human Rights Commission revealed that 69% of landlords in the Marina, 60% in the Sunset and 50% in the Richmond neighborhoods refuse to rent to applicants with children. With a vacancy rate of only 2% in the city, this left little room for anyone with youngsters.

One result has been a drop in school enrollment, with a consequent reduction in precious state aid.

Last week, overriding a veto by Mayor Joseph Alioto, the city's board of supervisors approved a new law that prohibits landlords from refusing to rent to families with children. Violations will subject offenders to fines of up to $500.

Opponents of the law argued that it would inevitably lead to higher rents, based on a greater number of occupants.

Besides, Alioto warned, the prospect of widespread litigation "will set up an aura of Inquisition in San Francisco."

The fears may be exaggerated. At least three states —New York, New Jersey and Arizona— have had similar laws on the books for half a century without such sinister effect. As San Francisco Supervisor Alfred J. Nelder put it, "Kids are human beings and have rights too."