LGBTQ+ Housing Rights and Protections for Pennsylvania Renters

Housing discrimination is a serious concern for many renters in Pennsylvania. If you are part of the LGBTQ+ community, it's important to know your rights and what protections exist under both federal and Pennsylvania state laws. In this article, you'll find guidance on fair housing protections, practical information for addressing discrimination, and official resources to support you.

Understanding LGBTQ+ Housing Protections in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania renters are protected from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in most housing situations. This means landlords and property managers cannot refuse to rent, evict, or otherwise treat you differently because you identify as LGBTQ+.

• The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits sex discrimination—which, by federal interpretation, includes sexual orientation and gender identity.
• Pennsylvania’s own Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) also explicitly prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in housing.
• Some cities in Pennsylvania have additional local nondiscrimination ordinances offering even broader protections.

Key takeaway: Both state and federal law protect LGBTQ+ people from most forms of housing discrimination.

What Counts as Housing Discrimination?

It's against the law for a landlord, property owner, or real estate agent to:

• Deny you a rental or sale because you are LGBTQ+
• Set different terms, conditions, or privileges for rental
• Harass, intimidate, or retaliate when you assert your fair housing rights
• Refuse repairs, delay maintenance, or provide different services because of your sexual orientation or gender identity

If you experience any of these behaviors, you have the right to file a complaint or seek help from the appropriate authority.

How to File a Discrimination Complaint in Pennsylvania

If you believe your LGBTQ+ rights as a renter have been violated, you can file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) or with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC)

• Form Name: Housing Discrimination Questionnaire (no number listed)
• When to use: Use this form if you have experienced discrimination by a landlord, property manager, or housing provider in Pennsylvania. For example, if you are denied a lease after disclosing your gender identity.
• Access the official Housing Discrimination Questionnaire and filing instructions

HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint Form

• Form Name/Number: Form 903
• When to use: Use if you want to file a federal fair housing complaint. For instance, if you believe a landlord’s actions violate federal protections and you prefer a federal investigation.
• File HUD Form 903 online and view instructions

What Happens After You File?

Once you submit your complaint, the PHRC (the official Pennsylvania board handling these matters) or HUD will investigate your claim. They may contact you for more information, interview witnesses, and seek to resolve your case through negotiation or a hearing.

If your case is found valid, you may be entitled to remedies like a lease, compensation, or changes in the landlord’s policies.

If you face an urgent threat of eviction or retaliation after making a complaint, consider contacting a legal service or advocacy group right away for assistance.

Pennsylvania Tenancy Legislation Relevant to LGBTQ+ Protections

Several laws protect renters from discrimination in Pennsylvania:

• Pennsylvania Human Relations Act
• Full text of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, Section 955
• Federal Fair Housing Act

Learn more about your rights under Pennsylvania Human Relations Act guidance.

FAQs: LGBTQ+ Housing Protections in Pennsylvania

1. Can a landlord refuse to rent to me if I am LGBTQ+ in Pennsylvania?
   No, under both state and federal law, landlords cannot refuse to rent to you based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
2. What should I do if I believe I’ve been discriminated against?
   You should document what happened and file a complaint with the PHRC or HUD as soon as possible to protect your rights.
3. Are all housing types covered by these protections?
   Most rentals are covered, but some small owner-occupied buildings or certain religious organization-owned properties may be exempt. Check with PHRC if unsure.
4. How long do I have to file a complaint?
   You generally have 180 days from the date of the discriminatory act to file with the PHRC, or one year to file with HUD.
5. What if a landlord retaliates against me for filing a complaint?
   Retaliation for asserting fair housing rights is illegal. If this happens, include those details in your complaint and seek additional support from local advocacy services or PHRC.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC): Main state board for filing and resolving housing discrimination complaints.
• HUD Fair Housing Complaint Process: Federal agency for investigating housing discrimination complaints.
• PA Law Help: Housing Discrimination Resources: Government-funded legal information and referrals for Pennsylvania renters.
• PHRC Contact Information: Phone, email, and office locations for direct help.

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1. Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA)
2. Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, Section 955
3. Federal Fair Housing Act
4. HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint Process

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