LGBTQ+ Housing Rights for Vermont Renters: Protections Explained

If you’re an LGBTQ+ renter in Vermont, you have robust protections under both state and federal fair housing laws. These prevent discrimination in renting or leasing a home because of your sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Navigating rental situations can feel stressful, but knowing your rights empowers you to take action if you face unfair treatment.

Understanding LGBTQ+ Housing Protections in Vermont

Vermont is recognized for its strong anti-discrimination laws. As a tenant, you are protected by both Vermont’s Fair Housing and Public Accommodations Act and the federal Fair Housing Act. These laws make it illegal for landlords to refuse to rent, set different terms, or harass you because of your identity.

Who Is Protected?

• Sexual orientation (e.g., lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer)
• Gender identity or expression (including transgender, non-binary individuals)
• Other protected groups: race, color, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, age, and more

These laws apply to most rental housing in Vermont, including apartments, condos, single-family homes, and mobile homes, with very few exceptions.

What Counts as Discrimination?

Discrimination is illegal in all stages of the rental process. Examples include:

• A landlord refusing to rent to you after learning you are LGBTQ+
• Evicting or threatening to evict after you disclose your identity
• Advertising that discourages LGBTQ+ renters
• Charging you higher rent or providing fewer services than to other tenants
• Retaliating if you file a complaint about discrimination

How to File a Housing Discrimination Complaint in Vermont

The Vermont Human Rights Commission (HRC) is the state’s official agency for investigating housing discrimination complaints (except when the alleged perpetrator is a private individual/landlord residing in the same building).

Which Forms Should You Use?

• Vermont HRC Discrimination Complaint Form
  • Form Name: Discrimination Complaint Intake Form
  • When to Use: When you believe you've experienced discrimination by a landlord, property manager, or housing provider based on LGBTQ+ status (or other protected category).
  • How to Use: Fill out and submit the form online or via mail to start an investigation. The form asks for details about what happened, dates, and any supporting evidence.
  • Official Discrimination Complaint Intake Form
  • Example: If your rental application was denied after the landlord discovered you are transgender, you would complete and submit this form with all relevant details and communication records.
• HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
  • Form Number: HUD-903 Online Form
  • When to Use: If you prefer a federal investigation or your case involves federal housing programs.
  • How to Use: Submit a complaint online, by mail, or by phone. HUD investigates discrimination against protected classes, including sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • Submit a HUD Discrimination Complaint
  • Example: If a federally funded apartment complex rejects your application because of your LGBTQ+ status, file this complaint to HUD.

Tribunal Handling Rental Disputes in Vermont

Most discrimination complaints are handled by the Vermont Human Rights Commission. For issues involving public housing or retaliation, complaints can also be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Your Rights Under Vermont Tenancy Law

All renters in Vermont are protected under the Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act. This law outlines basic renter and landlord obligations, eviction rules, and your protection from retaliation for asserting legal rights.

• Security: Landlords must follow legal eviction procedures and cannot force you out for asserting your rights or filing a complaint.
• Privacy: Your gender identity or sexual orientation cannot be used as grounds for different rental terms or access restrictions.

FAQ: Vermont LGBTQ+ Renters' Rights

1. Can a landlord ask about my sexual orientation or gender identity?
   Landlords should not ask about your sexual orientation or gender identity, and they cannot reject you or treat you differently because of it.
2. What do I do if my landlord retaliates after I file a complaint?
   Retaliation is illegal in Vermont. Document the actions and file an additional complaint with the Human Rights Commission or consult a tenant advocate.
3. Are roommate situations covered by these protections?
   Some exceptions apply if the landlord is renting a room in their primary residence, but most apartment leases and rental homes are protected.
4. Does this apply to short-term rentals or sublets?
   Some parts of the law may not cover short-term or roommate situations. Always check the lease and seek guidance from the HRC for your case.
5. Can I be evicted for coming out as LGBTQ+?
   No, it is illegal to evict someone for their sexual orientation or gender identity under Vermont and federal laws.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Vermont law prohibits housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
• If you experience discrimination, you have clear steps and official forms for filing complaints.
• Contact the Vermont Human Rights Commission for advice, investigation, and support without fear of retaliation.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Vermont Human Rights Commission – State agency for housing discrimination complaints. Call (802) 828-2480 or use the online contact form.
• HUD Fair Housing Office – For federal fair housing investigations and information (1-800-669-9777).
• Vermont Legal Aid, Housing Help – Free legal help for Vermont tenants facing discrimination, eviction, or other housing problems.
• Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act – Official state legislation protecting tenant rights.
• Vermont Discrimination Complaint Intake Form – Direct online form for reporting discrimination.

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1. Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Act
2. Vermont Fair Housing and Public Accommodations Act
3. Federal Fair Housing Act
4. Vermont Human Rights Commission: File a Complaint
5. HUD: File a Housing Discrimination Complaint

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