Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46a § 46a-64b
Discriminatory housing practices: Definitions.
Operative Text
As used in sections 46a-51 to 46a-99, inclusive: (1) “Discriminatory housing practice” means any discriminatory practice specified in section 46a-64c or section 46a-81e. (2) “Dwelling” means any building, structure, mobile manufactured home park or portion thereof which is occupied as, or designed or intended for occupancy as, a residence by one or more families, and any vacant land which is offered for sale or lease for the construction or location thereon of any such building, structure, mobile manufactured home park or portion thereof. (3) “Fair Housing Act” means Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended, and known as the federal Fair Housing Act (42 USC 3600-3620). (4) “Family” includes a single individual. (5) “Familial status” means one or more individuals who have not attained the age of eighteen years being domiciled with a parent or another person having legal custody of such individual or individuals; or the designee of such parent or other person having such custody with the written permission of such parent or other person; or any person who is pregnant or is in the process of securing legal custody of any individual who has not attained the age of eighteen years. (6) “Housing for older persons” means housing: (A) Provided under any state or federal program that the Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development determines is specifically designed and operated to assist elderly persons as defined in the state or federal program; or (B) intended for, and solely occupied by, persons sixty-two years of age or older; or (C) intended and operated for occupancy by at least one person fifty-five years of age or older per unit in accordance with the standards set forth in the Fair Housing Act and regulations developed pursuant thereto by the Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. (7) “Mobile manufactured home park” means a plot of land upon which two or more mobile manufactured homes occupied for residential purposes are located. (8) “Physical or mental disability” includes, but is not limited to, intellectual disability, as defined in section 1-1g, and physical disability, as defined in subdivision (15) of section 46a-51, and also includes, but is not limited to, persons who have a handicap as that term is defined in the Fair Housing Act. (9) “Residential-real-estate-related transaction” means (A) the making or purchasing of loans or providing other financial assistance for purchasing, constructing, improving, repairing or maintaining a dwelling, or secured by residential real estate; or (B) the selling, brokering or appraising of residential real property. (10) “To rent” includes to lease, to sublease, to let and to otherwise grant for a consideration the right to occupy premises not owned by the occupant.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46a-64b establishes the foundational definitions that apply throughout Connecticut's fair housing statutes (sections 46a-51 to 46a-99). It defines key terms such as "dwelling," "familial status," "physical or mental disability," and "discriminatory housing practice," setting the scope for what conduct and what properties are covered by the state's anti-discrimination rules. These definitions determine which transactions, properties, and individuals fall within the protections and obligations created by the broader statutory scheme, including alignment with the federal Fair Housing Act.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Connecticut should be familiar with the definitions established in Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46a-64b, as these terms define the boundaries of the state's fair housing requirements. For example, the broad definition of "dwelling" means that a wide range of residential properties—including mobile manufactured home parks and vacant land offered for residential development—may be subject to anti-discrimination obligations. Operators who understand how terms like "familial status" and "physical or mental disability" are defined under § 46a-64b are better positioned to apply consistent, compliant practices across their housing operations.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46a-64b provides the definitional framework that underpins Connecticut's fair housing protections, and understanding these definitions can help renters recognize whether a situation may fall within the law's coverage. For instance, the definition of "familial status" extends protections to households with children under 18, pregnant individuals, and those in the process of obtaining legal custody—groups that might not immediately think of themselves as a protected class. Tenants who believe they have experienced a discriminatory housing practice as defined under § 46a-64b and related provisions may consider contacting a tenant-rights organization or the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities to explore available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 24, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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