Source of Income Discrimination: Your Rights with Section 8 and RAP in Connecticut

Your Rights with Section 8 and RAP in Connecticut

In Connecticut, tenants who use rental assistance programs—such as Section 8 or the Rental Assistance Program (RAP)—are protected under state law. A landlord cannot refuse to rent to someone simply because they use a housing voucher. This conduct is considered source of income discrimination and is prohibited under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46a‑64c, which requires housing providers to treat all lawful income sources equally, including housing subsidies.

What Is Source of Income Discrimination

Source of income refers to how a tenant pays rent. Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46a-63(3), lawful source of income includes Section 8 vouchers, RAP vouchers, and other forms of rental assistance.

When a landlord refuses to accept these forms of payment, avoids applicants using vouchers, or treats them differently during the application process, that may violate Connecticut law.

Common Examples of Illegal Practices

Refusing to accept vouchers: A landlord cannot flat out refuse to rent solely because a tenant uses Section 8 or RAP. This constitutes unlawful discrimination under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46a-64c(a).

Ignoring or avoiding voucher holders: If a landlord stops responding, delays the application, or avoids engagement after learning a tenant uses a voucher, this may be evidence of discriminatory intent under Connecticut fair housing law.

“No Section 8” or “No RAP” advertisements: Landlords are not allowed to advertise or make statements indicating a preference or limitation based on lawful source of income. This is the least common situation, but it still occurs. Most commonly will be worded like, " Not Section 8 approved." There is no such approval.

Different treatment during the application process: Requiring additional documentation, imposing different conditions, or applying inconsistent standards may violate Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46a-64c, which prohibits discrimination in the terms, conditions, or privileges of rental housing.

What Landlords Often Get Wrong

Many landlords believe they can choose whether to accept vouchers based on personal preference or administrative burden. However, Connecticut law does not allow refusal based on lawful source of income.

Landlords must evaluate applicants using consistent criteria, regardless of whether rent is paid through employment income or rental assistance.

How This Connects to Disability Rights

This issue often overlaps with disability discrimination. Individuals who rely on Section 8 or RAP may also require reasonable accommodations under the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. § 3604(f)(3)(B)) and Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46a-64c.

Refusing to accept a voucher, delaying a tenancy, or creating additional barriers can compound accessibility issues and limit equal access to housing.

Why This Matters

Housing access is already limited, and voucher programs are designed to help individuals and families secure stable housing. When landlords refuse to accept these programs, it does more than limit options—it shuts people out of the housing market entirely.

This becomes even more significant when it overlaps with disability. Many individuals who rely on vouchers also have accessibility needs and being denied housing based on how rent is paid can compound existing barriers.

The Bottom Line

In Connecticut, refusing to accept Section 8 or RAP is unlawful discrimination.

Landlords cannot avoid applicants, create barriers, or deny housing simply because rent is paid through a voucher program.

If this is happening, it is not something to ignore—it is something to address.

If you are dealing with this type of issue, Chariot Civil Rights and Accessibility Compliance Consulting provides guidance, advocacy, and support to help you navigate your options and protect your rights.