Connecticut LGBTQ+ Renters: Fair Housing Laws & Protections

LGBTQ+ renters in Connecticut enjoy robust fair housing protections designed to ensure everyone can access housing free from discrimination. Knowing your rights is the first step in protecting yourself, whether you’re searching for a new home or dealing with an unfair situation in your current residence. This guide explains Connecticut’s LGBTQ+ renter protections, the complaint process, and key official resources.

Connecticut Fair Housing Protections for LGBTQ+ Renters

Connecticut law explicitly prohibits housing discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. These protections cover renting, leasing, applying for housing, and other housing-related transactions.

• Civil Rights: Housing providers can’t refuse to rent, set different terms, or evict you because of your LGBTQ+ status.
• Applies to All Housing: Most rental properties, except for certain small owner-occupied buildings, fall under these laws.
• Harassment Protection: The law forbids harassment, retaliation, or interference based on LGBTQ+ identity.
• State & Federal Coverage: Connecticut’s laws complement the federal Fair Housing Act, which also bans discrimination based on sex (interpreted to include sexual orientation and gender identity).

The core legislation guiding these protections is the Connecticut Fair Housing Act, as well as relevant sections of the Connecticut General Statutes § 46a-64c.¹

What Counts as LGBTQ+ Housing Discrimination?

Housing discrimination can take many forms. Understanding common examples helps you identify if your rights have been violated. Examples include:

• Being refused a rental or lease renewal because of your sexual orientation or gender identity
• Higher rent or different lease terms imposed based on your LGBTQ+ status
• Harassment by a landlord or neighbor related to your gender expression
• Retaliation for asserting your rights under the law
• Denying reasonable modifications (e.g., privacy measures) for transgender tenants

How to File a Discrimination Complaint in Connecticut

Connecticut renters who experience housing discrimination can file a formal complaint with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO). This is the official tribunal handling housing discrimination cases in the state.

• Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO): Official CHRO Housing Discrimination Page

Here’s how the process works:

1. Complete the CHRO Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (Housing Discrimination Complaint Form).
2. Submit your form by mail, email, or in-person to your regional CHRO office. Contact details are on the official CHRO Contact Page.
3. CHRO investigates your complaint, may offer mediation, and can order remedies if discrimination is found.

It’s best to file within 180 days of the most recent discriminatory act to preserve your rights.

Key Official Forms

• Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
  Usage: Use this form to start a complaint if you believe a landlord, property manager, or housing provider has discriminated against you based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Example: If your rental application was denied after you disclosed your gender identity, you can fill this form out and submit it to CHRO.
  Access the Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (PDF)

Your Rights Under Connecticut Tenancy Legislation

Connecticut’s Landlord and Tenant Law (Connecticut General Statutes, Chapter 830) protects all renters against unfair eviction, retaliation, or changes in terms based on protected characteristics, including being LGBTQ+.² The law applies throughout your tenancy, from application through move-out.

• If you believe you were evicted or threatened because of your LGBTQ+ status, you can assert your rights under both anti-discrimination and landlord/tenant laws.
• It’s illegal for landlords to change services, deny repairs, or otherwise target you due to your identity.

Practical Steps: What LGBTQ+ Renters Should Do

If you believe you’ve faced discrimination:

• Document everything (e.g., emails, texts, rental advertisements, and notes about any conversations).
• File a complaint as soon as possible using the official form.
• Contact CHRO or a local fair housing office for guidance.
• Consider mediation if offered—many disputes are resolved before reaching a hearing.

Standing up for your rights may help protect not just yourself, but future renters too!

FAQ: LGBTQ+ Renter Protections in Connecticut

1. Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because I am LGBTQ+ in Connecticut?
   No. Connecticut law prohibits housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Landlords who refuse to rent for these reasons are violating the law.
2. Is there a time limit to file a housing discrimination complaint?
   Yes. You should file your complaint with the CHRO within 180 days of the last discriminatory act to ensure full protection and remedies.
3. Will filing a complaint get me evicted?
   It is illegal for a landlord to retaliate against you for making a good-faith discrimination complaint. File your complaint and document any landlord actions carefully.
4. Does this law cover roommates or just landlords?
   The main protections apply to actions by housing providers, landlords, and property managers. In some circumstances, harassment by other tenants may also be actionable if the landlord fails to intervene.
5. Are my gender expression and pronouns legally protected?
   Yes. Discrimination based on gender expression, presentation, or pronoun usage is expressly covered under Connecticut law.

Key Takeaways for Connecticut LGBTQ+ Renters

• LGBTQ+ renters in Connecticut are protected from discrimination in nearly all housing situations.
• If your rights are violated, complete and submit the official CHRO complaint form promptly.
• Free help is available from state agencies if you need support or answers.

Connecticut takes fair housing seriously—know your rights, document your experience, and use official resources if you need them.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) – Housing Discrimination: Main state agency for filing and investigating complaints.
• Regional CHRO Office Contacts: Find your nearest office for in-person help or to submit forms.
• Landlord and Tenant Law – Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 830: Complete official law governing landlord and tenant relationships.
• Connecticut Department of Housing: Information about rental programs and housing rights.
• HUD Fair Housing Complaint Process: Federal-level protections and complaint process.

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1. Connecticut General Statutes § 46a-64c: https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_814c.htm#sec_46a-64c
2. Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 830 (Landlord & Tenant): https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_830.htm

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