Everyone has the right to seek housing opportunities free from discrimination. In fact, state law explicitly states that landlords and sellers of residential real estate cannot refuse to rent or sell property based on a person’s race, color, religion, gender identity, or other identifying factors. Housing discrimination is a crime punishable by law.
Victims may also seek legal remedy in civil court. If you believe you experienced discrimination in renting or buying property, speak to a lawyer at Ruane Attorneys. Our Bridgeport housing discrimination lawyers could investigate the facts of your case and file official complaints with the State. We could also help pursue lawsuits in court that seek appropriate remedies, such as monetary compensation and the right to live in your desired location.
Protected Groups of People Under State Law
The laws in Connecticut prohibiting discriminatory housing practices are among the strongest anywhere in the country. Specifically, Connecticut General Statute § 46a-64c prohibits various actions related to selling or offering residential real estate.
These prohibitions include the following:
- Refusing to sell or rent property to a person because of their race, creed, national origin, sex, gender, marital status, or age
- Changing terms among different tenants because of age, creed, marital status, etc.
- Provide information that a dwelling is unavailable for sale or rent because of a potential buyer’s race, creed, religion, etc.
Violations of this law are class D misdemeanors. Anyone who believes they experienced discrimination can contact local law enforcement for an investigation. Our attorneys could provide further information about the rules prohibiting housing discrimination in Bridgeport and the potential criminal consequences for violators.
Legal Remedies for the Victims of Housing Discrimination
Not only is housing discrimination illegal, but discriminatory people and companies may also be civilly liable for their actions. Reporting the violator to the Housing Discrimination Unit is always a good idea and may spur a state investigation. Keeping one’s legal rights and financial interests in mind is also important.
Victims of housing discrimination can demand proper remedies in civil court to bring stability back into their lives. Our housing discrimination lawyers in Bridgeport could work to demonstrate that a loss of housing resulted from discriminatory practices. Ruane Attorneys could also demand remedies such as the receipt of overpaid rent, the right to live in a specific location, and other monetary compensation.
Contact a Bridgeport Housing Discrimination Attorney Today
State law clearly requires the sellers or renters of real estate to treat everyone equally. They cannot refuse to rent or sell to another person because of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or age. People and companies that commit these acts may face criminal prosecution. However, victims also have the choice to pursue compensation and other remedies through civil litigation.
A Bridgeport housing discrimination lawyer could help you pursue compensation for your experience and hold the wrongdoers accountable. At Ruane Attorneys, we are prepared to take the lead in investigating the seller’s discriminatory practices. We could also identify reasonable outcomes and demand proper payments in and out of court. Call our firm today to discuss your situation and learn how we can help you seek justice.