The material provided on the 211 eLibrary is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal advice.
WHAT IS HOUSING DISCRIMINATION
The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin in housing.
The Act applies to almost all housing and housing providers in the United States, including private landlords and property management firms, property owners, federally assisted housing, public housing authorities, realtors, and lenders and insurers of housing.
It also applies to individuals, such as neighbors, who intimidate, coerce or interfere with the fair housing rights of others. The Act deals with the sale, rental or financing of housing, as well as any advertisements or statements with respect to housing.
PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES INCLUDE
SOURCE OF INCOME
In Connecticut, Section 8 is considered a “lawful source of income” (Connecticut General Statutes Sec. 46a-64) and it is illegal to refuse to rent to a person who has a Section 8 housing voucher.
HOW TO FILE A COMPLAINT
Connecticut residents who have been trying to buy or rent a home or apartment and believe their rights have been violated should contact the Connecticut Fair Housing Center first. This agency will send testers to collect proof that an agency or landlord is discriminating, and they will also help with filing complaints with the appropriate state and federal agencies.
WHERE TO FILE A COMPLAINT
TO FIND PROVIDERS IN CONNECTICUT’S COMMUNITY RESOURCES DATABASE:
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SOURCES: United States Department of Housing and Urban Development;
iCarol database, Connecticut General Statutes Sec. 46a-64
PREPARED BY: 211/ch
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: January2024