LGBTQ+ Renters’ Fair Housing Rights in Ohio

Facing discrimination for your sexual orientation or gender identity when renting a home in Ohio can be distressing. This article clearly explains the fair housing protections available to LGBTQ+ renters in Ohio, how to recognize and address discrimination, the forms and government bodies to contact, and where to get official support. Understanding your rights helps you confidently address unfair treatment and find secure housing.

Understanding LGBTQ+ Housing Protections in Ohio

In Ohio, both federal and some local laws protect LGBTQ+ individuals from housing discrimination. Although Ohio does not have a comprehensive statewide LGBTQ+ anti-discrimination law for housing, federal rules provide important protections, especially under the Fair Housing Act.

Federal Fair Housing Act Protections

The Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. In 2021, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) directed that "sex" includes sexual orientation and gender identity, meaning LGBTQ+ renters are federally protected against most housing discrimination in Ohio.^[1]

• Landlords cannot refuse to rent, renew, or negotiate based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
• It's illegal for housing ads to state preferences or exclusions related to being LGBTQ+.
• Harassment because of being LGBTQ+ may qualify as illegal housing discrimination.

Ohio State and Local Protections

Ohio law—the Ohio Landlord-Tenant Act—does not list sexual orientation or gender identity as protected classes at the state level. However, many Ohio cities (including Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and others) have passed local anti-discrimination ordinances covering LGBTQ+ renters. Check your city or county’s civil rights commission for local details.

What Housing Discrimination Looks Like

Common examples of housing discrimination against LGBTQ+ renters include:

• Being denied an apartment after disclosing your partner/spouse or gender identity
• Receiving different terms (higher rent, extra fees) because you are LGBTQ+
• Harassment or derogatory remarks about your sexual orientation or gender identity
• Landlords selectively applying rules (e.g., allowing pets/married couples, but not same-sex couples)

Such actions are likely violations under HUD and, where applicable, municipal ordinances.

Tip: Always save messages, emails, ads, or notes of conversations where you think housing discrimination may have occurred. Documentation is key if you file a complaint.

How to Report Discrimination: Filing an Official Complaint

Ohio renters can report housing discrimination in several ways. Federal complaints are always available, and some Ohio cities offer additional local processes.

Filing with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Any Ohio resident can file a housing discrimination complaint with HUD online, by mail, or phone. No lawyer is needed. HUD will investigate and can help resolve the issue or refer it to a local Fair Housing Partner.

• Form name: Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (HUD-903.1)
• When to use: If you believe a landlord, property manager, condo association, or real estate agent discriminated against you based on sexual orientation or gender identity in Ohio or anywhere in the U.S.
• How to use with an example: Submit the online complaint form (HUD-903.1) or download and mail it, explaining what happened—such as if a landlord denied you an apartment after meeting your same-sex partner.
• Official source: HUD Housing Discrimination Complaints

Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC)

The Ohio Civil Rights Commission investigates housing discrimination complaints for protected classes under Ohio law. Since current Ohio law does not include LGBTQ+ status as a protected class, OCRC may investigate complaints if they also involve race, sex, disability, or another covered factor—but not solely for LGBTQ+ status. For local protections, check your city’s civil rights office.

Local City & County Offices

• City of Columbus Civil Rights Division
• Cleveland Fair Housing Board
• Check your municipality’s website for specific local agencies.

Tenancy Laws and Tribunals in Ohio

The main law for renters and landlords in Ohio is the Ohio Landlord-Tenant Act (Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5321). While it lays out your general tenancy rights (rent, security deposits, repairs), fair housing discrimination claims are handled separately.

There is no state "residential tenancy tribunal." Legal disputes, including evictions, are handled in local county or municipal courts. For discrimination, the primary government agencies are HUD and (for local protections) each city's board or civil rights division.

Steps to File a Housing Discrimination Complaint in Ohio

• Gather any evidence (emails, texts, ads, lease denials, etc.) showing the discrimination.
• Go to the HUD online complaint form.
• Fill out the necessary details, including names, dates, and what occurred.
• Submit the form online, by mail, or by phone; keep copies for your records.
• Monitor your email or mailbox for response from HUD (usually within a few weeks).

Some local offices (like Columbus Civil Rights Division or Cleveland Fair Housing Board) also accept discrimination complaints and may offer extra support.

FAQ: LGBTQ+ Housing Discrimination in Ohio

1. Are all Ohio landlords required to follow LGBTQ+ housing protections?
   Federal law applies to most rental housing. Local ordinances may cover more—including small landlords—but protections can vary outside major cities. You are always protected under federal law.
2. Can I be evicted for being LGBTQ+ in Ohio?
   No. Under federal fair housing law, eviction due to sexual orientation or gender identity is considered unlawful discrimination.
3. What if my landlord retaliates after I file a complaint?
   Retaliation is illegal under both federal law and Ohio’s landlord-tenant statutes. If this occurs, report it to HUD or seek help via your local legal aid or city civil rights office for further protection.
4. Does my lease have to mention fair housing rights?
   Landlords do not have to specify fair housing rights in the lease, but they are bound by these laws whether or not it is written in your agreement.
5. Can I get help with the complaint process if I think I can’t do it alone?
   Yes. Local legal aid services and many city Fair Housing Boards provide assistance with filing complaints and understanding your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• File a Housing Discrimination Complaint with HUD
• Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC)
• Ohio Local Courts Directory (for general tenant-landlord disputes)
• Ohio Legal Aid Services
• Columbus Civil Rights Division
• Cleveland Fair Housing Board
• For other cities, search the city’s website or contact HUD for referrals.

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1. [1] HUD Equal Access and Title VII Guidance on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
2. Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5321 — Ohio Landlord-Tenant Act
3. HUD-903.1 Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (instructions & download)

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