Connecticut Fair Housing Testing and Enforcement: A Renter's Guide

If you are renting a home or apartment in Connecticut, it's important to know your rights and the protections available against housing discrimination. Connecticut has dedicated fair housing testing and enforcement agencies to help renters address concerns about discrimination, from filing complaints to investigating unfair treatment. This article explains how these agencies work, what fair housing testing involves, and how you can take action if you believe your rights under the law have been violated.

Understanding Fair Housing Testing

Fair housing testing is a method used by enforcement agencies to identify discrimination in the rental housing market. Trained testers—posing as renters—help determine whether housing providers treat applicants equally, regardless of race, disability, family status, or other protected qualities under the law.

• Testing can reveal hidden barriers to housing that might not be obvious to renters.
• Results from testing may be used as evidence in enforcement actions or complaints.

In Connecticut, several agencies and organizations help renters by carrying out these tests and overseeing anti-discrimination laws.

Connecticut Fair Housing Enforcement Agencies

Here are the main agencies responsible for enforcing fair housing laws in Connecticut:

• Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) – The state's primary agency to investigate and enforce anti-discrimination laws, including housing.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - New England Region – Handles federal fair housing complaints in Connecticut and often partners with the CHRO.
• Connecticut Fair Housing Center – A nonprofit that provides legal support, education, and testing for housing discrimination.

The CHRO is Connecticut’s official tribunal that addresses residential tenancy discrimination cases, resolves disputes, and enforces the state’s anti-discrimination laws.

Relevant Connecticut Tenancy Legislation

Two key laws protect renters in Connecticut:

• Connecticut Fair Housing Act (Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 46a-64c)
• Connecticut Landlord and Tenant Act (Conn. Gen. Stat. Chapter 830)

These laws prohibit discrimination in areas like race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity), disability, family status, and more¹.
Landlords also can’t retaliate against you for asserting your fair housing rights.

How to File a Fair Housing Complaint in Connecticut

If you believe you have experienced discrimination, you can take several steps to protect your rights:

• Contact the CHRO directly through their Civil Rights Inquiry Form.
• Submit a complaint online or in-person using the official forms (see below for details).
• Get assistance or legal information from the Connecticut Fair Housing Center.

Official Complaint Forms and How to Use Them

• CHRO Discriminatory Practices Complaint Form
  • Form Name: Discriminatory Practices Complaint Intake Questionnaire (No form number)
  • When/How to Use: Renters use this form to start a discrimination complaint with the CHRO. For example, if you were denied a lease based on disability, fill out this form and submit it to CHRO online or by mail. You’ll be contacted for more details and your complaint will be officially filed and investigated.
  • File a complaint online via the official CHRO site
• HUD Form 903 Online Complaint
  • Form Name: Form HUD-903.1 — Housing Discrimination Complaint
  • When/How to Use: Use this federal form if you want to file your complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. For instance, if your landlord refused to make a reasonable accommodation for a service animal, you can complete and submit this complaint online or by mail.
  • File a housing discrimination complaint with HUD

Next Steps After Filing

Once you file a complaint, agency staff may contact you for follow-up information. Your landlord will be notified, and the agency may conduct an investigation—including fair housing testing if appropriate. If discrimination is found, the agency can help resolve the situation, secure compensation, or order other remedies.

FAQ: Connecticut Fair Housing Testing and Enforcement

1. What counts as housing discrimination in Connecticut?
   Any refusal to rent, difference in terms, or harassment based on protected classes—like race, religion, disability, or family status—is illegal under Connecticut and federal law.
2. How long do I have to file a discrimination complaint?
   You typically must file with the CHRO within 180 days of the discriminatory act. HUD allows up to one year, but acting quickly helps your case.
3. Will a complaint affect my tenancy?
   Landlords are prohibited from retaliating if you make a good-faith fair housing complaint. Retaliation itself is illegal and can be reported.
4. Can I get help if I don’t speak English well?
   Yes. Agencies like CHRO and HUD provide language assistance and interpretation services to support all renters.
5. Are fair housing tests legal and confidential?
   Yes. Fair housing tests are a legal tool used by government agencies and are designed to uncover discrimination, and your identity as a complainant remains confidential during investigations.

Conclusion: Protecting Your Rights as a Renter

• Connecticut agencies actively test and enforce fair housing laws to protect renters from discrimination.
• If you encounter mistreatment, you can file an official complaint and get support from state and federal agencies.
• It's important to act promptly and use official channels to ensure your voice is heard and your rights are protected.

Know that free help is available and you are not alone—Connecticut has strong laws and agencies designed to support renters in securing a fair housing experience.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) – File complaints, get forms, and read up on state anti-discrimination laws.
• Connecticut Fair Housing Center – Offers legal assistance, education, and advocacy to renters facing discrimination.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Fair Housing – Submit complaints, access HUD forms, and search official guidance.
• Connecticut Fair Housing Act Legislation – Full text of laws covering state housing discrimination protections.
• Connecticut Landlord and Tenant Statutes – Full text of rental tenancy law.

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1. See Connecticut Fair Housing Act (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46a-64c), Connecticut Landlord and Tenant Act (Conn. Gen. Stat. Chapter 830), and CHRO official rules and guidance.

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