LGBTQ+ Housing Rights and Tenant Protections in North Carolina

Renters in North Carolina deserve a safe and fair place to live, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. This article explains what legal protections are available to LGBTQ+ renters in North Carolina, how to spot and report housing discrimination, and the steps you can take if you believe your rights have been violated.

Understanding LGBTQ+ Housing Discrimination in North Carolina

Federal laws—especially the Fair Housing Act—protect renters from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), familial status, and disability. North Carolina does not have a state law that specifically adds more housing protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, but federal law applies statewide.

How Might Discrimination Show Up?

• Denying a rental application because you're LGBTQ+
• Setting different terms—such as a higher rent or deposit—based on sexual orientation or gender identity
• Verbal abuse, harassment, or intimidation from landlords or property managers
• Retaliation if you assert your rights or report discrimination

If you believe you've experienced discrimination, you have the right to take action and seek help.

Your Legal Protections as an LGBTQ+ Renter

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) confirms that the Fair Housing Act's protections against "sex" discrimination now explicitly cover sexual orientation and gender identity, following updated guidance issued in 2021.^[1]

• State law: While North Carolina's laws (such as the North Carolina Landlord-Tenant laws) do not add more protected categories, you are still protected under federal law in all parts of the state.^[2]
• Local rules: Some North Carolina cities, like Greensboro and Carrboro, have additional LGBTQ+ nondiscrimination ordinances. If you live in such a city, you may have even more protections.

Your Rights Under North Carolina’s Rental Laws

All renters—regardless of identity—are protected by North Carolina’s rental rules, found in Chapter 42 of the North Carolina General Statutes. Legally, landlords cannot retaliate against any renter for reporting discrimination or unsafe housing conditions to authorities.

How to Report LGBTQ+ Housing Discrimination

If you believe you have been discriminated against because of your sexual orientation or gender identity, you can file a housing discrimination complaint with HUD or the North Carolina Human Relations Commission.

• The official tribunal handling housing complaints in North Carolina:
  North Carolina Human Relations Commission
• Federal complaints are overseen by:
  HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity

Official Forms You May Need

• Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (HUD Form 903.1):
  • When to use: If you believe you have been discriminated against in housing, complete this to start an investigation.
  • How to use: You can fill it out online, mail it, or email it to HUD. Example: If your landlord refuses to rent to you after you mention your same-sex partner, fill out this form.
  • Submit an online complaint or download HUD Form 903.1
• North Carolina Human Relations Commission Discrimination Intake Form:
  • When to use: For state-level complaints in North Carolina.
  • How to use: Complete the online intake form or print and submit it by mail if you believe your fair housing rights were violated.

What Happens After Filing a Complaint?

After you submit your complaint, you will get confirmation from the agency. They may contact you for more information, interview witnesses, or ask for documents. An official investigation will determine if discrimination occurred and what remedies are available.

Common Questions About LGBTQ+ Housing Protections

1. Can my landlord refuse to rent to me because I'm LGBTQ+?
   No. Federal law—through the Fair Housing Act—prohibits housing discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in all 50 states, including North Carolina.
2. Does North Carolina have statewide LGBTQ+ housing protections in addition to federal law?
   Not at the state level. However, federal protections still apply, and some local governments in North Carolina offer additional ordinances.
3. How do I report discrimination by a landlord or property manager?
   You can use the HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (HUD Form 903.1) or contact the North Carolina Human Relations Commission directly. Links and steps are above.
4. What documents should I collect before filing a complaint?
   Gather rental applications, leases, emails, texts, and written notes of any conversations related to the incident. This helps support your case.
5. Who investigates housing discrimination cases in North Carolina?
   Investigations are conducted by the North Carolina Human Relations Commission and/or HUD depending on where you file your complaint.

Key Takeaways for LGBTQ+ Renters

• Federal law protects LGBTQ+ renters throughout North Carolina.
• You can file a complaint with HUD or the North Carolina Human Relations Commission.
• Keep records and know that retaliation from your landlord is also illegal.

No matter where you live in North Carolina, fair treatment in housing is your right. Take action and seek support if you need it.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• North Carolina Human Relations Commission – Primary state agency for handling housing discrimination
• HUD - Fair Housing Information
• U.S. Department of Justice – Fair Housing Rights
• North Carolina Residential Rental Agreements Act
• North Carolina Department of Justice – Housing Discrimination Information

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1. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD Implementation of Executive Order 13988 on the Enforcement of the Fair Housing Act (2021).
2. North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 42: Landlord and Tenant Law.

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