Connecticut Fair Housing: Protected Classes Explained

As a renter in Connecticut, knowing your rights under fair housing laws is essential. Connecticut’s laws protect tenants from discrimination, making it illegal for landlords to treat you unfairly based on certain personal characteristics. Understanding these protections can help you recognize discrimination and empower you if you need to take action.

What Are Protected Classes under Connecticut Law?

Both federal and Connecticut state laws identify specific groups—known as protected classes—that are shielded from housing discrimination. Landlords cannot refuse to rent, set different terms, or harass you based on your membership in these groups.

• Race
• Color
• National origin
• Sex (including gender identity and expression)
• Familial status (e.g., presence of children under 18, pregnant women)
• Disability
• Religion
• Age (for persons 18 or older)
• Marital status
• Veteran status
• Lawful source of income (including housing vouchers or rental assistance)
• Sexual orientation

Connecticut extends protection beyond federal law, offering robust coverage for renters statewide. The Connecticut Fair Housing Act outlines these rights and enforcement procedures.^[1]

How Does Discrimination Look in Practice?

Discrimination can be open or subtle. It is illegal for a landlord or property manager to:

• Refuse to show or rent you an apartment based on a protected class
• Set different terms or higher rent for some tenants
• Advertise housing as only for certain types of people
• Deny reasonable accommodations to someone with a disability
• Harass or threaten you due to membership in a protected group

Examples include turning down a rental application because you use a housing voucher, or making comments about your family size during a showing.

Tenant Rights and Remedies

If you believe you’ve faced illegal discrimination, Connecticut law gives you several ways to seek help and protect your rights. The Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) investigates fair housing complaints throughout the state.

Official Forms: Complaint Filing

• Discriminatory Practices Complaint Form (Housing) – No. CHRO-24:
  • Use this form if you believe a landlord or agent has discriminated against you in housing based on a protected class.
  • Download the Housing Complaint Form (CHRO-24)
  • Example: If a landlord refuses your application after you mention using a Section 8 voucher, you can fill out and submit this form.

Complaints can be submitted by mail, email, or delivered in person to a CHRO regional office. The process is free, and you do not need a lawyer to file a complaint.

Connecticut's Tribunal for Housing Issues

While CHRO handles discrimination complaints, issues like evictions or security deposits are overseen by the Connecticut Judicial Branch Housing Session courts.^[2]

What to Do If You Experience Discrimination

If you suspect discrimination:

• Document the incident (dates, names, details, and any documents or emails)
• Submit the Housing Complaint Form to CHRO as soon as possible (deadline is generally 180 days from the incident)
• Keep copies of all communications with the landlord or property manager
• Wait for CHRO to investigate and guide you through next steps

Understanding the Key Laws

• Connecticut Fair Housing Act (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46a-64c)
• Federal Fair Housing Act, Title VIII
• Connecticut Landlord and Tenant Act (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a)

Each provides specific protections and remedies for renters experiencing discrimination.

FAQs about Fair Housing and Protected Classes in Connecticut

1. What should I do if my landlord refuses my application because I use a Section 8 voucher?
   Document the refusal, keep any emails or messages, and file a Discriminatory Practices Complaint (Housing) with CHRO within 180 days.
2. Are all landlords in Connecticut required to follow these fair housing laws?
   Yes. Most landlords—regardless of the number of units—must comply with Connecticut and federal fair housing laws. There are rare exceptions for certain owner-occupied buildings; check with CHRO for details.
3. What happens after I file a complaint with CHRO?
   CHRO will review, investigate your complaint, and may mediate a resolution. In some cases, there may be a formal hearing or referral to court.
4. Can I be evicted for filing a discrimination complaint?
   No. Retaliation for asserting your fair housing rights is illegal in Connecticut, and CHRO can investigate retaliation complaints as well.
5. Does Connecticut protect renters based on sexual orientation or gender identity?
   Yes, both sexual orientation and gender identity are protected classes under state law.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Connecticut Renters

• State and federal laws protect many classes from housing discrimination
• Connecticut CHRO is the main agency to contact if you suspect discrimination
• Document everything—acting quickly protects your rights

Knowing your protected status under fair housing law empowers you and helps build a fairer community for all renters.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) – File a complaint or get fair housing info (Phone: 860-541-3400)
• Connecticut Housing Session Courts – For court cases and tenant-landlord disputes
• Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) – Renter resources and assistance programs
• HUD Connecticut Field Office – Federal fair housing help

---

1. See Connecticut General Statutes, Chap. 814c: Connecticut Fair Housing Act
2. See Connecticut Judicial Branch Housing Session Courts

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations