Illegal Rental Advertisement Language in Connecticut Explained

Renters in Connecticut have special protections under both federal and state fair housing laws. If you're a renter searching for housing or responding to ads, it's important to know what kind of language is illegal for landlords or property managers to use when advertising a rental. This makes your search fair and helps prevent discrimination.

What Laws Protect Renters from Discriminatory Advertising?

Connecticut applies both federal and state laws to prevent discrimination in housing ads. The main laws are:

• Federal Fair Housing Act
• Connecticut Fair Housing Act (Chapter 814c)

These laws make it illegal for landlords or real estate agents to use language in advertisements that show preference, limitation, or discrimination because of:

• Race or color
• National origin
• Religion
• Sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity)
• Familial status (e.g., families with children)
• Disability
• Marital status, age, ancestry, or lawful source of income (Connecticut-specific)

Which Words and Phrases Are Illegal in Rental Ads?

Any text in a rental ad that directly or indirectly excludes, discourages, or prefers people based on the protected categories above may be considered illegal discrimination. This covers written ads, online listings, flyers, and signs.

Examples of Discriminatory Language

• “No children” or “Ideal for single professional” (discriminates based on familial status or marital status)
• “Christian community” or “No Muslims” (discriminates based on religion)
• “Whites only” or “No Hispanics” (discriminates based on race or national origin)
• “No Section 8” or “Must be employed full-time” (in Connecticut, this discriminates against lawful source of income)
• “Females only” or “No disabilities” (discriminates based on sex or disability)

Even terms that imply a preference—like "mature person," "empty nester," or "perfect for young professionals"—can sometimes violate fair housing laws if they discourage protected groups from applying.^[1]

What Landlords Can Say

It is legal for a landlord to describe the property itself, such as “two-bedroom apartment” or “no smoking.” It is not legal to describe the kind of person the landlord wants as a tenant based on protected characteristics.

How to Respond to Discriminatory Rental Ads

If you spot an ad that seems to violate fair housing laws, here are steps you can take:

• Take a screenshot or save a copy of the ad.
• Note where and when you found the ad.
• Contact the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) to report it.

You can also file a complaint with the CHRO. They are the official agency responsible for handling discrimination complaints related to housing in Connecticut.

How to File a Housing Discrimination Complaint in Connecticut

Connecticut renters can submit a complaint to the CHRO using an official form. Here’s how:

• Form Name: CHRO Housing Discrimination Complaint
• When to use: When you believe you have been discriminated against in renting, including through illegal advertising.
• How to use: Download the Housing Discrimination Complaint Form, fill it out, and submit it to the CHRO by email, mail, or in person.

Once submitted, the CHRO will review your complaint and may contact you for more information. More details can be found on the CHRO forms page.

Who Oversees Rental Discrimination Complaints?

The Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) is the official tribunal that handles fair housing disputes and complaints for residential renters in Connecticut.

For more about your rights and how rental discrimination complaints are processed, see the CHRO Fair Housing Overview.

Relevant Connecticut Legislation

Connecticut’s Fair Housing Act (Chapter 814c) outlines protections and rules about illegal discrimination in rental advertising. Section 46a-64c specifically covers discriminatory housing practices.

FAQ: Connecticut Rental Ad Discrimination

1. What should I do if I see a rental ad that appears discriminatory?
   Take a screenshot, note where you saw the ad, and report it to the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO). You can file a formal complaint if you feel affected.
2. Can landlords say “no Section 8” in Connecticut?
   No, it is illegal for landlords to refuse tenants based on their source of lawful income, including Section 8 housing vouchers.
3. Does the law protect against age discrimination in rental ads?
   Yes. Connecticut law prohibits discrimination based on age, so ads excluding specific age groups (except for approved senior housing) are unlawful.
4. Is describing a home as “family-friendly” legal?
   Generally, neutral terms about the property are allowed, but landlords must not discourage other groups; “family-friendly” is risky if it implies only families are welcome.
5. Who do I contact if I face rental discrimination?
   Contact the CHRO to file a housing discrimination complaint.

Key Takeaways for Connecticut Renters

• Rental ads in Connecticut must not include language that shows preference or discrimination based on protected groups.
• If you find a discriminatory ad, you can file a complaint using the official CHRO form.
• The Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) enforces fair housing for renters.

By understanding your rights, you can protect yourself and others from illegal housing discrimination.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) — File complaints, view resources, and contact for guidance.
• CHRO Housing Discrimination Forms — Official housing discrimination complaint forms and information.
• Connecticut Fair Housing Act (Chapter 814c) — Read the law on fair housing and protected classes.
• Connecticut Department of Social Services — Information on rental assistance and tenant protections.

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1. CHRO: Fair Housing in Connecticut
2. Connecticut Fair Housing Act (Chapter 814c), C.G.S. § 46a-64c
3. CHRO Forms: Housing Discrimination Complaint
4. Federal Fair Housing Act

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