Is Source of Income Discrimination Illegal for Connecticut Renters?

If you’re a renter in Connecticut relying on housing vouchers, government aid, or other legal sources of income, you may have concerns about discrimination during your rental search. This article explains Connecticut’s rules on source of income discrimination, what’s protected, and how you can assert your rights.

What Is Source of Income Discrimination?

Source of income discrimination happens when a landlord refuses to rent to you or treats you unfairly because of how you pay your rent. Protected sources include government assistance like Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, Social Security, child support, or public assistance. In Connecticut, it’s illegal for landlords to reject or penalize renters just because they use these income sources.

Connecticut Fair Housing Protections

Connecticut law makes it unlawful for landlords, property managers, and agents to discriminate against renters (or rental applicants) based on their source of income. This protection is part of the Connecticut Fair Housing Act and Section 8-7 of the Connecticut General Statutes.^[1]

• Landlords cannot refuse to rent to you because you pay with a housing voucher or public assistance.
• They also can’t advertise "No Section 8" or "no vouchers accepted".
• It is illegal to set different terms, such as higher rent or deposits, based on income source.

What Income Sources Are Protected?

Protected income sources under Connecticut law include:

• Section 8 / Housing Choice Vouchers
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Social Security Disability (SSD)
• Child support or alimony
• Temporary Family Assistance (TFA)
• Other legal public or private assistance

What Can You Do If You Experience Discrimination?

If a landlord refuses to rent to you, charges higher fees, or treats you differently because of your lawful income source, you have the right to file a discrimination complaint.

How to File a Complaint with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO)

The Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) is the state agency responsible for investigating fair housing complaints.

• Form Name: Discrimination Complaint Form
• When to use: If you believe you were denied housing or treated unfairly due to your income source.
• How to use: Complete the online form or download a copy to submit by mail to CHRO. Include as many details and supporting documents as possible (screenshots, messages, application denials, etc.).
• Access the CHRO Complaint Form and filing information here.

What Happens After Filing?

CHRO will review your complaint, may investigate, and could contact both you and the landlord for more information. If CHRO finds discrimination occurred, they can order remedies like damages, rental opportunities, or penalties for the landlord.^[2]

Key State Legislation and Tribunals

• Connecticut Fair Housing Act
• Connecticut Landlord and Tenant Act (Chapter 832)
• Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) (handles fair housing cases)

Both CHRO and, in some cases, federal agencies like HUD are available to help connecticut residents enforce their fair housing rights.

FAQ: Connecticut Source of Income Discrimination

1. Can a landlord in Connecticut refuse to rent to me if I use a Section 8 voucher?
   No. Connecticut law makes it illegal for landlords to reject applicants solely because they use Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8).
2. Are "No Section 8" or "No vouchers" ads legal in Connecticut?
   No. Such ads are considered discriminatory and are not allowed under the Connecticut Fair Housing Act.
3. How long do I have to file a housing discrimination complaint?
   Complaints must usually be filed with CHRO within 180 days of the alleged discrimination.
4. What if my landlord increases my rent or security deposit because I use a voucher?
   This could be illegal discrimination. You can file a complaint with CHRO if you experience different treatment based on your income source.
5. Does CHRO charge any fees to file a fair housing complaint?
   No, it is free to file a housing discrimination complaint with CHRO.

Conclusion: What Connecticut Renters Should Know

• Connecticut law protects renters using legal income sources—including vouchers and public assistance—from discrimination.
• If you face unfair treatment, you can file a complaint with CHRO at no cost.
• Knowing your rights helps ensure you have fair and equal access to housing opportunities.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO): Main agency for filing housing discrimination complaints.
• Connecticut Department of Housing: State housing programs and rental assistance contacts.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - Fair Housing: For federal resources and guidance.
• Connecticut Judicial Branch - Landlord/Tenant FAQs

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1. Connecticut Fair Housing Act, Chapter 814c
2. CHRO Complaint Process

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