Connecticut Fair Housing Laws: What's on the Real Estate Exam

Fair housing is tested on both the national and state sections of the Connecticut real estate exam. You need to know the federal Fair Housing Act cold — and you also need to know Connecticut's additional protected classes, which go beyond federal law.

Federal Fair Housing Act — The Foundation

The federal Fair Housing Act (1968) prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, or financing of housing based on 7 protected classes:

1. Race
2. Color
3. National Origin
4. Religion
5. Sex
6. Familial Status (families with children under 18, pregnant women)
7. Disability (physical and mental)

Key Federal Rules to Know

Blockbusting: Inducing homeowners to sell by claiming that minority groups are moving into the neighborhood — illegal.

Steering: Directing buyers toward or away from certain neighborhoods based on a protected class — illegal.

Redlining: Refusing to make loans or provide insurance in certain areas based on the racial composition of the neighborhood — illegal.

Exemptions to the federal FHA: - Owner-occupied buildings with 4 or fewer units (Mrs. Murphy exemption) - Single-family homes sold without a broker and without discriminatory advertising - Housing operated by religious organizations or private clubs for members only

Connecticut Fair Housing Additions

Connecticut's fair housing law adds the following protected classes beyond the federal seven:

• Marital status — cannot discriminate against single people, divorced people, etc.
• Age — protection against age-based discrimination in housing
• Lawful source of income — cannot refuse to rent to Section 8 voucher holders or others with lawful income sources
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity or expression
• Veteran status

Total protected classes in Connecticut: 13 (7 federal + 6 state additions)

Disability Accommodations — Frequently Tested

Under both federal and Connecticut law, landlords must: - Allow reasonable modifications to the property (tenant pays for modifications in private housing) - Provide reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, or practices - Meet accessibility standards in newly constructed multifamily buildings (4+ units built after March 13, 1991)

Americans with Disabilities Act vs. Fair Housing Act

Know the difference: - Fair Housing Act: Applies to residential housing - Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Applies to commercial properties, public accommodations, and places of employment — NOT residential housing

Practice Questions on Fair Housing

Q: A landlord refuses to rent to a Section 8 voucher holder because they 'prefer' privately paying tenants. Is this legal in Connecticut?

A: No. Connecticut prohibits discrimination based on lawful source of income. Refusing to accept Section 8 vouchers is illegal under Connecticut fair housing law.

Q: Which of the following is NOT a protected class under the Connecticut Fair Housing Act?

A) Age B) Veteran status C) Occupation D) Lawful source of income

Answer: C — Occupation is not a protected class under state or federal fair housing law.

For more Connecticut fair housing practice questions, visit [CARealestate.com/states/connecticut](https://carealestate.com/states/connecticut).