States that can refuse to rent to gays

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Also keep any documents the discriminating entity gives you.

Once you file a report of discrimination, a HUD representative will contact you to determine whether the agency can undertake a formal investigation. This map shows state public accommodation nondiscrimination laws that explicitly enumerate sexual orientation and/or gender identity as protected classes, as well as states that explicitly interpret existing sex protections to include sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

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Many young LGBTQ individuals run away from home when they can no longer withstand unfair treatment from family members. If you have experienced discrimination, contact Lambda Legal's Help Desk or otherwise seek legal advice. 

  • State law explicitly prohibits discrimination in credit based on sexual orientation and gender identity (16 states , 1 territory + D.C.)

  • State explicitly interprets existing prohibition on sex discrimination to include sexual orientation and/or gender identity (see note) (2 states)

  • State law explicitly prohibits discrimination in credit based on sexual orientation only (1 state)

  • No explicit prohibitions for discrimination in credit based on sexual orientation or gender identity (31 states, 4 territories)


Citations & More Information

NOTE: In green stripe states, the state's nondiscrimination law does not explicitly enumerate sexual orientation or gender identity, but the state's civil/human rights commission has explicitly stated it interprets the state's existing protections against sex discrimination to include protections for both sexual orientation and gender identity.

Unless a landlord specifies that a tenant must refrain from particular sexual acts or from having certain sexual partners, there really isn’t much they can do.

A bisexual woman applies for a lease with her boyfriend and is accepted. However, local ordinances, state laws, federal court rulings, and more create a patchwork of nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people across the country.

You do not need to file a complaint first to do this. Accessed 12/29/2025.

Percent of Adult LGBTQ Population Covered by Laws

*Note: These percentages reflect estimates of the LGBTQ adult population living in the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

states that can refuse to rent to gays

It does not specify that discrimination against sexual orientation or gender identity is prohibited, making it legal. If you have experienced discrimination, contact Lambda Legal's Help Desk or otherwise seek legal advice. See the "Citations & More Information" button beneath the map legend for more detail for every state.

Individuals who have experienced discrimination should contact Lambda Legal's Help Desk or otherwise seek legal advice.

To find LGBTQ-friendly rental units, follow the instructions listed here.

  • SAGE has provided an interactive map on their site that allows people to easily search for LGBTQ elder housing units. Virgin Islands
    State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
    State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
    State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
    State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
    State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identityUtah
    State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
    State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
    State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identityVermont
    State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
    State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
    State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
    State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
    State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identityVirginia
    State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
    State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
    State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
    State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
    State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identityWashington
    State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
    State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
    State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
    State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
    State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identityWest VirginiaWisconsin
    State has law that only covers sexual orientation
    State has law that only covers sexual orientation
    State has law that only covers sexual orientation
    State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identityWyoming

    • LGBTQ Housing Discrimination

    Last Updated: May 11, 2023

    Members of the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) community often have trouble finding the right rental unit.

    Some govern public actors, some private, and some are tied to whether you receive money from the government. However, if an issue cannot be resolved informally, you may file a complaint of housing discrimination.

    File a complaint of housing discrimination
    If you have experienced one or more of the forms of discrimination described above—or you believe you may be subject to a discriminatory act such as an eviction—you may file a complaint with the U.S.

    Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In these studies, senior same-sex couples encountered fewer housing options, higher fees and rent, and more extensive application requirements than heterosexuals.

    Thankfully, there is a variety of protections for LGBTQ older adults at the federal, state, county, and municipal levels. Demands for medical or legal evidence of your gender may be evidence of discrimination.

    Can I be turned away from gender-specific housing or forced into housing with the wrong gender?
    Refusing to provide housing consistent with a person’s gender identity because they are transgender constitutes discrimination based on sex and/or gender identity.

    What Kinds of Questions Can a Housing Provider Ask About My Gender?

    In many circumstances, asking about your gender or transgender status might be a sign of discrimination.

    The complex’s staff refuses to intervene and the couple files a complaint. See the "Citations & More Information" button beneath the map legend for more detail for every state.


    Recommended citation:
    Movement Advancement Project.

    48 % of LGBTQ population lives in states prohibiting discrimination in public accommodations based on sexual orientation and gender identity

    18 % of LGBTQ population lives in states explicitly interpreting existing prohibition on sex discrimination to include sexual orientation and/or gender identity

    3 % of LGBTQ population lives in states prohibiting discrimination in public accommodations based on sexual orientation only

    31 % of LGBTQ population lives in states that do not prohibit discrimination in public accommodations based on sexual orientation or gender identity (including 2% of LGBTQ population living in states that preempt local nondiscrimination laws)

    Credit and lending nondiscrimination laws protect people from being unfairly denied credit and lending services, such as opening a bank account, taking out a loan, and more.