In Connecticut, we are fortunate to have the protections of two sets of fair housing laws – the federal Fair Housing Act and the state Human Rights and Opportunities statute. Both laws provide protection for Black and Hispanic families looking for housing, but also protect other characteristics that may describe members of your household. The characteristics that are protected are called “protected classes.”
In Connecticut, you can’t be refused housing or offered housing on unequal terms on the basis of a characteristic that falls into one of the protected classes. The rules apply in different ways depending on the number of units in the building you are considering renting or buying and whether the government is involved.
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Federal Fair Housing Act Protected Classes Race |
Connecticut's Fair Housing Law Additional Protected Classes Gender Identity or Expression |
Fair housing advocates’ experience is that discrimination is more likely when a family has several of these characteristics, for example, when the family is Black, has children, and is using a housing subsidy like a Housing Choice Voucher (aka Section 8).
If you suspect that you are the victim of discrimination, report it and consider filing a legal claim!
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Open Communities Alliance If trying use a voucher to access housing in areas that are predominantly white or to report discriminatory zoning: Services: |
Connecticut Commission on Human Rights & Opportunities To file all types of housing discrimination complaints: Services: 860-541-3403 |
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Connecticut Fair Housing Center For help addressing all types of discrimination: Services: 860-247-4400 |
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: To file housing discrimination complaints regarding federal law protections: Services 1-800-669-9777 or 1-800-877-8339 |
You can also learn more in our guide about fair housing rights.