Housing discrimination is illegal in Connecticut.
Fair housing refers to the sale/rental of housing free from discriminatory practices or policies.
Housing discrimination is illegal in Connecticut. More specifically, it is against the law to deny anyone housing because of their:
– Race
– Color
– National origin
– Sex (gender)
– Religion
– Children or family status
– Disability (mental or physical)
– Ancestry
– Marital status
– Age (except minors)
– Sexual orientation
– Gender identity or expression
– Legal source of income (for example, refusing to accept Section 8)
– Veteran status
– Status as a victim of domestic violence
A group of people who share characteristics that are protected from discrimination.
Refusals to rent or sell. A landlord, owner, or real estate professional refuses to rent or sell to you because you are a member of a protected class.
Misrepresenting the availability of housing. A landlord, owner, or real estate professional tells you that an apartment, house, or condominium is not available, when in fact is has not been rented or sold, because you are a member of a protected class.
Discrimination in terms and conditions. You are treated differently by a landlord, owner, or real estate professional and given different conditions, terms, rules, or requirements than others because you are a member of a protected class.
Use of threats, intimidation, or coercion. A landlord, owner, or real estate professional attempts to prevent you from renting or buying a home by suggesting that you will not be safe or that neighbors may not want you to move in, because you are a member of a protected class.
Discriminatory advertising. A landlord, owner, or real estate professional puts an ad in a newspaper, creates a brochure, or makes a spoken statement that shows preferences or limitations for certain people because they are a member of a protected class.
If you or someone you know has experienced housing discrimination, report it using the button below.
In response to complaints of housing discrimination, Connecticut Fair Housing Center may:
-investigate;
-offer advice and counseling about the relevant fair housing laws; and/or,
-provide free legal representation to victims of housing discrimination.
Staff at the Center investigate claims of housing discrimination to determine if there is evidence of a violation of the law. If the Center uncovers evidence of discrimination, the Center’s attorneys work to change that practice and obtain compensation for the victims.
Complaints of housing discrimination can often be resolved through advocacy and negotiation or with legal representation. If necessary, the Center’s attorneys bring legal enforcement actions at the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and in state and federal court.
