Protected Classes and Fair Housing Rights in DC

If you rent a home or apartment in the District of Columbia, you are protected by some of the nation’s strongest fair housing laws. These rights ensure that landlords, property managers, and real estate professionals treat everyone fairly, regardless of your background or personal characteristics. Understanding who is protected, and how to exercise your rights, can help you take action if you experience discrimination in housing or rental services.

Who Is Protected? Understanding DC’s Protected Classes

District of Columbia law prohibits housing discrimination based on a wide range of protected traits. This means landlords, brokers, and property managers cannot deny you housing or treat you differently because of the following:

• Race
• Color
• Religion
• National origin
• Sex (including sexual harassment and pregnancy)
• Age
• Marital status
• Personal appearance
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity or expression
• Family responsibilities and familial status (whether you have children)
• Disability
• Political affiliation
• Sources of income (such as housing vouchers or public assistance)
• Place of residence or business
• Status as a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking
• Status as a returning citizen (prior conviction history)

These protected classes are established under the District of Columbia Human Rights Act and related DC Fair Housing regulations.^[1][2]

How Does DC Law Protect Renters From Discrimination?

The law covers nearly every stage of housing, including:

• Advertising a rental or home
• Applying for an apartment
• Setting rent amounts or deposit requirements
• Terms of leases and renewals
• Access to amenities or common areas
• Eviction and lease termination

If a landlord refuses to rent to you, sets different rules, or makes unreasonable demands because of a protected trait, it may be illegal discrimination. The District’s law applies to both private and publicly funded housing, and covers protections beyond federal law.

Filing a Housing Discrimination Complaint in DC

If you believe you’ve been treated unfairly because of your membership in one of these protected classes, you have the right to file a formal discrimination complaint. The official agency responsible for investigating these claims is the District of Columbia Office of Human Rights (OHR).

How to File a Complaint: Official Forms and Process

• Form Name: OHR Complaint Questionnaire Form
• Use: This is the initial step to report housing discrimination to the D.C. Office of Human Rights. Fill out and submit this form if you believe a landlord, agent, or housing provider has discriminated against you based on a protected class.
• Example: If a landlord refuses to accept your housing voucher, fill in the reason, your details, and attach evidence if you have it. Submit the completed form by email or secure upload as instructed on the official OHR page.

Read complete instructions and download the official forms and process details (see "Housing Discrimination").

What Happens After You File?

Once you submit your complaint, the Office of Human Rights will review your case, contact the parties involved, and may schedule interviews or mediation. Most investigations resolve within 180 days, but more complex cases can take longer. If your rights were violated, OHR can order remedies such as compensation, access to housing, or landlord training.^[3]

DC also has a special tribunal for certain landlord-tenant disputes: the District of Columbia Superior Court – Landlord and Tenant Branch. While discrimination complaints go to OHR, general rental issues (like eviction) are handled by this court.^[4]

FAQ: Protected Classes and Fair Housing in DC

1. What should I do if my landlord refuses to accept my housing voucher?
   If your landlord in DC refuses your voucher (like a Housing Choice Voucher), this may be illegal under source of income protections. File a complaint with the DC Office of Human Rights using their official housing discrimination form.
2. Does DC law protect me from discrimination based on gender identity?
   Yes. DC explicitly protects all renters from discrimination based on gender identity or expression—this includes housing applications, renewals, and services.
3. Are disabilities and reasonable accommodations covered?
   Absolutely. Landlords must provide reasonable accommodations (such as allowing service animals) to renters with disabilities, unless the request would cause undue hardship.^[2]
4. Can my landlord treat me differently because I have children?
   No. Discrimination based on family responsibilities or familial status (having kids) is illegal in DC housing.
5. How long do I have to file a complaint?
   You should file as soon as possible. Generally, discrimination complaints must be submitted to OHR within one year of the alleged incident.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for DC Renters

• The District of Columbia protects renters from discrimination based on more than a dozen personal characteristics.
• If you feel your rights have been violated, you can file a free complaint with the Office of Human Rights using their official form.
• Help is available, and DC’s laws go beyond basic federal protections to ensure fair treatment for everyone.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• DC Office of Human Rights – Housing Discrimination Portal: Official complaint forms, guidance, and answers on fair housing.
• Read the DC Human Rights Act: Full details on protected classes and landlord/renter obligations.
• District of Columbia Superior Court – Landlord and Tenant Branch: Tribunal for disputes regarding rental agreements, deposits, or eviction.
• DC Renters’ Rights Portal: For general tenant protections and resources.

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1. District of Columbia Human Rights Act (D.C. Code § 2-1402.21). Read at DC Council – Human Rights Act.
2. Office of Human Rights: Official DC Fair Housing Discrimination web page.
3. File a housing complaint: OHR Discrimination Complaint Information.
4. Landlord and Tenant Branch: DC Superior Court Information.

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