Fair Housing & Discrimination
Fair Housing is the right to equal opportunity in housing choice and the right to rent, buy, finance, and live in a home free from discrimination or harassment.
Housing discrimination is illegal in Vermont. Specifically, it is against the law to deny anyone housing because of their:
- Race
- Color
- National Origin
- Religion
- Sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity
- Disability (mental or physical)
- Family status
- Marital status
- Age
- Receipt of public assistance (including Section 8 and other housing vouchers, 3SquaresVT, etc.)
- Status as a victim or survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking
This also covers harassment, including sexual harassment, and the denial of development permitting based on the income of prospective residents.
If you have been treated unfairly based on any of the protected categories listed above when renting or buying a home, getting a mortgage, obtaining housing insurance, seeking housing assistance, or in other housing-related activities, then you may have experienced illegal discrimination. Select "Get Help" below to learn more.
Discrimination is not always obvious and can take many forms. It may happen when a landlord refuses to rent you an apartment, tells you it is unavailable when it is vacant, steers you toward a different location, or if the terms and conditions of your lease are different from those of the landlord’s other tenants. Illegal discrimination can also happen in advertisements.
The Fair Housing Project is supported by funding under a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The substance and findings of this work are dedicated to the public. The author and publisher are solely responsible for the accuracy of the statements and interpretations contained in this publication. Such interpretations do not necessarily reflect the views of the Federal Government.
Contact
- Email: fhp@cvoeo.org
- Phone: 802-660-3456
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The Fair Housing Project is one of CVOEO's statewide Housing Advocacy Programs. We work to eradicate illegal housing discrimination and increase housing opportunity and choice in Vermont.
Contact us for consultations, referrals, education, local housing committee support, and assessments and training related to Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing and developing inclusive, affordable housing.