Protected Classes and Fair Housing Rights for Ohio Renters

Ohio renters are protected from housing discrimination by both Ohio state law and federal fair housing laws. Understanding which groups (called “protected classes”) are covered, and knowing what to do if you face discrimination, can help ensure your right to safe and fair housing. This guide explains protected classes under Ohio fair housing laws in plain language, with practical steps for renters, official forms, and links to authoritative resources.

What Does “Protected Class” Mean in Ohio Housing?

A “protected class” is a group of people shielded from housing discrimination under the law. That means landlords and other housing providers cannot treat you unfairly, deny you housing, or set different terms based on certain personal qualities.

Protected Classes Under Ohio Law

According to the Ohio Revised Code Section 4112.02 and federal law, the following are protected classes:

• Race
• Color
• Religion
• Sex (including gender)
• National origin
• Disability (physical or mental)
• Familial status (including children under 18 living with you, pregnancy, or legal custody of children)
• Ancestry (under Ohio law)
• Military status (under Ohio law)

Local city or county laws may offer even broader protections—such as sexual orientation or gender identity—so check with your municipality for specifics.

What Counts as Housing Discrimination?

Ohio law prohibits landlords and housing providers from doing any of the following actions based on a protected class:

• Denying you rental housing or falsely claiming there are no vacancies
• Setting different rental terms, conditions, or privileges
• Refusing to make reasonable accommodations for a renter’s disability
• Advertise or make statements that indicate a preference for or against someone based on a protected class

How to File a Housing Discrimination Complaint in Ohio

If you believe your rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC), which enforces state fair housing laws for renters.

Official Complaint Forms and Practical Examples

• Fair Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (OCRC)
  Download and file the Fair Housing Complaint Form
  Use this form if you have been denied housing, evicted, or harassed due to your race, disability, family status, or other protected class. For example, if a landlord refuses to rent to you after learning you have children, you can submit this form to the OCRC.
• Reasonable Accommodation Request (No state form number)
  Many renters with disabilities request accommodations (such as service animals or parking adjustments). If your landlord refuses, you may document your request in writing and attach it to your OCRC complaint. HUD provides a sample format in its guidance here.

How to File a Fair Housing Complaint with OCRC

• Visit the OCRC website’s complaint submission page.
• Complete the online form or download and print the PDF form.
• Describe in detail what discrimination took place and include supporting documents.
• Submit your form online, by mail, or in person to an OCRC regional office.
• The OCRC will review your claim and may investigate further, help mediate, or refer your case for legal action if needed.

For more details about tenant rights and responsibilities in Ohio, see the Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5321 – Landlord and Tenant Law.

What Is the Ohio Civil Rights Commission?

The Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC) is the official state tribunal responsible for investigating and deciding fair housing complaints. It enforces Ohio’s anti-discrimination laws and works alongside federal agencies.

If You’re Not Sure: Next Steps for Ohio Renters

If you suspect discrimination but are unsure if your situation qualifies, you can:

• Contact the OCRC for a free, confidential consultation
• Reach out to local tenant advocacy organizations for advice
• Review state laws using official sources for more example scenarios

It’s your right to live free from discrimination. If in doubt, take action early and ask for help.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is protected under Ohio fair housing laws?
   Ohio’s fair housing laws protect you from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, ancestry, and military status.
2. What do I do if my landlord refuses to rent to me because I have children?
   This may be illegal discrimination based on "familial status." File a complaint with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission using their official form.
3. Do Ohio laws protect LGBTQ+ renters?
   State law does not specifically list sexual orientation or gender identity as protected classes. However, some cities (such as Columbus and Cleveland) have additional protections. Federal guidance from HUD also interprets "sex" to include sexual orientation and gender identity.
4. Is disability considered a protected class in Ohio housing law?
   Yes. Housing providers must not discriminate due to physical or mental disability, and must make reasonable accommodations if requested.
5. How do I prove discrimination occurred?
   Keep written records of all interactions (emails, texts, notes of conversations), keep copies of advertisements, and gather any witnesses. Submit this documentation when filing your OCRC complaint.

Key Takeaways for Ohio Renters

• Ohio law protects renters from discrimination based on specific classes, with additional federal protections.
• Landlords must treat all renters equally and cannot deny housing or change terms based on these protected classes.
• If you suspect discrimination, take action promptly by contacting the OCRC and documenting all incidents.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Ohio Civil Rights Commission – Fair Housing Information & Complaint Submission
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Filing a Fair Housing Complaint
• Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5321 – Landlord and Tenant Law
• Ohio Municipal and County Courts Directory

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1. Ohio Revised Code Section 4112.02 – Unlawful Discriminatory Practices
2. Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5321 – Landlord and Tenant
3. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Fair Housing Information
4. Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC)

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