Gay Real Estate

Did you know the Federal Fair Housing Act does not protect gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people from discrimination in the sale, rental or financing of homes? As a result, many finance companies, leasing agents or insurance companies may treat same-sex couples differently than other prospective homebuyers or lessees.

HRC warns, "Couples have been discriminated against when shopping for a home. Others have been told they cannot put both partners' names on a homeowner's insurance policy, which is important to do if both partners share ownership of the home. And still other couples have been discriminated against when filing a claim as some insurance companies have attempted to refuse claims or cancel policies on the grounds that the owners are 'unrelated.'"

Even though same-sex couples aren't protected under federal law, some states do include SGL people in their protection against discrimination. They are:

• California
• Connecticut
• District of Columbia
• Hawaii
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• Rhode Island
• Vermont
• Wisconsin

Only four states include gender identity in their housing laws:

• California
• Minnesota
• New Mexico
• Rhode Island

Many local agencies and governments also prohibit discrimination based on sexual and gender identity.

Do you feel you've been discriminated against because of your sexual or gender identity? Take action!

• Contact your local and state housing authority. Most housing agencies can be found through the local and state government site.
• Report the incident to American Civil Liberties LGBT/HIV Discrimination Office.
• Contact your local Better Business Bureau. This can help protect other LGBT couples that may attempt to secure housing at the same location.
• Contact a housing or real estate attorney that can assist you in securing housing or winning your claim for insurance.