Connecticut Fair Housing Occupancy Standards: Your Rights Explained

Understanding how many people can legally live in a rental unit is important for Connecticut renters. The state follows fair housing laws designed to prevent unreasonable occupancy limits, which could otherwise lead to discrimination based on family size. This article covers what renters in Connecticut need to know about occupancy standards, your rights, and what to do if you face unfair restrictions.

Understanding Reasonable Occupancy Standards in Connecticut

Connecticut follows both federal and state fair housing laws. Landlords must use reasonable standards for how many people can live in a unit. These standards are there to protect families and ensure that rules are not used to discriminate, especially against families with children.

What Are Occupancy Standards?

Occupancy standards are rules about how many people can live in a rental unit. Landlords sometimes set limits based on the number of bedrooms or square footage, but these must comply with fair housing laws.

• According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the usual guideline is two people per bedroom.
• Connecticut does not have a statewide occupancy law, but local health or building codes may set minimum requirements.
• Fair housing law prohibits rules that have the effect of discriminating against families with children.

Discrimination and Fair Housing Laws

Connecticut’s Fair Housing Act and the federal Fair Housing Act make it illegal for landlords to refuse to rent or set different rules based on family status—including how many children live in a household.^[1]

• Landlords cannot set occupancy standards that are lower than local codes or that have a discriminatory impact.
• Reasonable factors, such as unit size and building capacity, are allowed, but they cannot be a cover for discrimination.

If you believe a landlord is denying you housing or setting unfair occupancy limits because of your family size, you have the right to take action.

What to Do if You Experience Occupancy Discrimination

Renters who feel they are being denied housing due to unreasonable occupancy standards can file a complaint with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO), which handles residential tenancy disputes related to fair housing in Connecticut.^[2]

Relevant Official Forms

• Discriminatory Practices Complaint (Form: CHRO-21)
  Use this form to submit a complaint if you believe you have been discriminated against based on occupancy standards or family status. For example, if a landlord refuses your application because you have children, you can fill out the CHRO Discriminatory Practices Complaint form and submit it to the CHRO.

You can also file with HUD using their online complaint form if your issue involves federal law.

Connecticut's Key Legislation and Tribunal

• Connecticut Fair Housing Act — relates directly to discrimination and tenant protections.
• The Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) is the main board handling residential tenancy discrimination matters.

FAQ

1. Can a landlord refuse to rent to families with children based on occupancy standards?
   Under Connecticut and federal law, landlords cannot set unreasonable occupancy limits that exclude families with children. Limits must be based on reasonable standards and local code.
2. How many people can legally live in a two-bedroom apartment in Connecticut?
   The general rule is two people per bedroom, but local health and building codes may allow exceptions based on square footage and unit design.
3. Where do I file a complaint if my landlord sets unfair occupancy limits?
   You can file a discrimination complaint with the Connecticut CHRO using Form CHRO-21 or with HUD online.
4. Are landlords allowed to follow stricter rules than local occupancy codes?
   Landlords cannot set stricter limits if those rules discriminate based on family status. Any limit must comply with fair housing and local codes.
5. What official form do I use to file a fair housing complaint in Connecticut?
   The main form is the CHRO Discriminatory Practices Complaint (CHRO-21).

Key Takeaways

• Occupancy standards in Connecticut must follow fair housing rules—discrimination based on family status is not allowed.
• Check local health and building codes for specific occupancy guidelines, but landlords cannot go below these to exclude families.
• If you feel discriminated against, file a complaint with the Connecticut CHRO.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) — Main state body for fair housing complaints and tenant-landlord discrimination issues.
• Connecticut Fair Housing Act — Read the official occupancy and discrimination laws.
• CHRO Fair Housing Overview — Guidance for renters and contact options.
• HUD Online Fair Housing Complaint — Submit a federal fair housing complaint.

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1. Connecticut CHRO Fair Housing Overview
2. Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO)

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