Vermont Fair Housing: Protected Classes Explained

Understanding which groups are protected by Vermont's fair housing laws can help you recognize and respond to illegal housing discrimination. Whether you're renting in Burlington, Montpelier, or anywhere in Vermont, knowing your rights is the first step to a fair and secure housing experience.

What Are Protected Classes in Vermont?

In Vermont, both state and federal laws protect certain groups—known as “protected classes”—from housing discrimination. This means landlords, property managers, real estate agents, and others involved in housing cannot take adverse actions or treat people differently because they belong to one of these groups.

Protected Classes Under Vermont Law

• Race
• Color
• National origin
• Religion
• Sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity)
• Disability
• Family status (including presence of children under 18)
• Age
• Marital status
• Receipt of public assistance
• CREDIT: Other categories such as ancestry, place of birth, and status as a victim of abuse, sexual assault, or stalking are also protected under Vermont law.

Federal law (the Fair Housing Act) covers many of these same classes, but Vermont extends additional protections not found in federal statutes.^[1][2]

Examples of Discriminatory Actions

• Refusing to rent an apartment to a family with children
• Charging a higher rent because of your race or national origin
• Denying a reasonable accommodation to a renter with a disability
• Evicting someone due to their gender identity or sexual orientation
• Refusing housing because you rely on Section 8 (public assistance) to pay rent

Your Rights as a Vermont Renter

Landlords cannot treat you unfairly or retaliate because you are part of a protected class. You are also entitled to request reasonable accommodations if you have a disability, such as allowing a service animal or modifications to help with accessibility.

How to File a Fair Housing Complaint in Vermont

If you believe you have experienced illegal discrimination, you can file a complaint with the Vermont Human Rights Commission (HRC). The HRC investigates housing discrimination cases and enforces state fair housing laws.^[3]

Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Housing Discrimination Complaint Form: This is the primary form renters use to report housing discrimination. You can submit the form online or download a PDF from the Vermont Human Rights Commission.
  Example: If you’re refused an apartment because you use a housing voucher, complete and submit this form to begin an HRC investigation.

Relevant Legislation

• Vermont Fair Housing and Public Accommodations Act (Title 9, Chapter 139)
• Federal Fair Housing Act

Who Handles Tenancy Disputes?

For formal complaints of discrimination, the Vermont Human Rights Commission is Vermont’s primary agency. For most other landlord-tenant matters, such as eviction or security deposits, cases may go before your local Vermont Superior Court (Civil Division).^[3][4]

1. What should I do if my landlord discriminates against me based on my receipt of public assistance?
   Immediately document the incident and file a complaint with the Vermont Human Rights Commission using the Housing Discrimination Complaint Form.
2. Does Vermont protect renters from discrimination due to sexual orientation or gender identity?
   Yes. Vermont explicitly includes sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes under its fair housing laws.
3. Is it legal for a landlord to refuse to rent to families with children in Vermont?
   No, "familial status" is a protected class. Discrimination against families with children is illegal under both state and federal laws.
4. Can I request accommodations for my disability while renting in Vermont?
   Yes. Vermont law requires landlords to make reasonable accommodations for renters with disabilities, such as allowing service animals or accessibility modifications.
5. How do I prove discrimination if I suspect it?
   Keep detailed notes of all interactions, gather evidence (texts, emails), and submit a complaint with supporting documentation to the Vermont Human Rights Commission.

Key Takeaways

• Vermont law protects renters from discrimination based on many factors, including race, age, receipt of public assistance, and more.
• If you face discrimination, you can file a complaint with the Vermont Human Rights Commission online or by mail.
• Know your rights and gather documentation to strengthen your case if discrimination occurs.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Vermont Human Rights Commission — File complaints and get information on fair housing protections
• Vermont Department for Children and Families: Housing Assistance
• Vermont Legal Aid — Legal support and advocacy for renters
• Vermont Fair Housing and Public Accommodations Act

---

1. Vermont Fair Housing and Public Accommodations Act (Title 9, Chapter 139)
2. HUD: Vermont Tenant Rights
3. Vermont Human Rights Commission
4. Vermont Judiciary – Tenancy Cases

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations