Wisconsin Fair Housing Protected Classes Explained

Every renter deserves a fair chance to find and keep safe housing. In Wisconsin, renters are protected against housing discrimination under both state and federal law. Knowing your rights regarding protected classes can help you identify unlawful treatment and take action if you experience discrimination.

What Are Protected Classes in Wisconsin?

Protected classes are groups of people who are legally shielded from discrimination based on certain characteristics. In Wisconsin, it is illegal for landlords or housing providers to discriminate against renters due to:

• Race
• Color
• National Origin
• Ancestry
• Religion
• Sex
• Disability
• Family Status (including families with children under 18)
• Marital Status
• Age (18 and over)
• Sexual Orientation
• Lawful Source of Income
• Victim of Domestic Abuse, Sexual Assault, or Stalking

These protections mean a landlord cannot refuse to rent, set different rental terms, harass, or otherwise treat you unfairly because you belong to one or more of these groups.^[1]

Examples of Discrimination

Discrimination can be obvious or subtle. Here are some examples:

• A landlord refuses to show an apartment after learning you have children (family status)
• A housing provider charges higher rent to a person with a disability
• A rental ad says "no Section 8" or "no subsidies" (lawful source of income)
• Your application is rejected solely because of your sexual orientation

If you believe you've been treated unfairly for any protected reason, you may have grounds for a fair housing complaint.

How Wisconsin Fair Housing Laws Are Enforced

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Equal Rights Division (ERD) is responsible for enforcing state fair housing laws. You can file a complaint directly with the ERD if you believe you have experienced discrimination.

Relevant Legislation

• Wisconsin Statutes § 106.50 - Open Housing Law: Main law covering fair housing and discrimination protection^[1]
• Federal Fair Housing Act (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968)

Local governments (cities or counties) may offer additional protections or have their own complaint procedures, but state law sets the minimum standard across Wisconsin.

How to File a Fair Housing Discrimination Complaint

If you feel your housing rights were violated, you have options. You may file a complaint with the Wisconsin ERD, the federal government (HUD), or both.

Wisconsin's Fair Housing Complaint Process

• Submit Form ERD-6711 (Housing Discrimination Complaint Form) online or by mail
• File within one year from the date of the alleged discrimination
• Your complaint will be reviewed by the ERD, and mediation or investigation will follow

Form: ERD-6711 Housing Discrimination Complaint Form

• Name/Number: Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (ERD-6711)
• When to use: If you believe you have experienced housing discrimination in Wisconsin
• Official Source: ERD-6711 form and filing instructions
• Example: If you're denied an apartment after disclosing you receive a housing voucher, complete ERD-6711 to begin an official complaint

What Happens After Filing?

After submitting your complaint:

• The ERD will review and may offer mediation between you and the landlord
• If mediation fails, the complaint is investigated
• If discrimination is found, remedies can include being offered the rental unit, compensation, or policy changes

Your participation is confidential, and retaliation from the landlord is illegal.^[1]

FAQ: Wisconsin Renters and Fair Housing

1. Which fair housing law protects renters in Wisconsin?
   Wisconsin Statutes § 106.50 (Open Housing Law) is the main state law protecting renters from discrimination, supplemented by the federal Fair Housing Act.
2. What should I do if I think my landlord is discriminating against me?
   Document what happened, keep records, and contact the Wisconsin ERD or a fair housing organization. You may file a complaint using Form ERD-6711.
3. Can a landlord refuse to rent to someone with children?
   No. Family status, including if you have children under 18, is a protected class under Wisconsin law.
4. Are renters protected for all sources of income?
   Yes. Discrimination based on lawful source of income, such as housing vouchers or legal employment, is prohibited in Wisconsin.
5. Is retaliation by my landlord for filing a complaint legal?
   No. It is illegal for a landlord to retaliate against you in any way for asserting your fair housing rights or filing a complaint.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Wisconsin Renters

• Wisconsin law protects many classes from housing discrimination
• You can file a complaint with the Wisconsin ERD using Form ERD-6711
• If you're unsure about your rights, state and local agencies can provide free, confidential support

Understanding your fair housing rights helps ensure you are treated fairly when searching for and keeping your home.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development - Fair Housing: Main agency handling statewide complaints and education
• File a Housing Discrimination Complaint (ERD-6711): Online and downloadable complaint form with instructions
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity: Federal resource for escalation
• Tenant Resource Center (Wisconsin): Statewide resource for tenants, offering education and support

---

1. Wisconsin Statutes § 106.50 - Open Housing Law
2. Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Equal Rights Division: Fair Housing
3. ERD-6711 Housing Discrimination Complaint Form

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