Cal. Civ. Code § 8-37ee-601
Affirmative fair housing marketing process
Operative Text
(a) Assessing affirmative marketing needs Affirmative fair housing marketing plans shall identify the group or groups least likely to apply for the housing opportunity through the submission of relevant demographic data. Entities may derive data from the U.S. Census, municipal sources, regional planning agencies, civil rights groups, fair housing officers, social service agencies, federal sources, state planning documents or reports, and like organizations and sources. Entities shall clearly identify the documentation of any sources for such data. (b) Affirmative marketing outreach(1) Mechanisms – Affirmative fair housing marketing plans shall determine and identify the most appropriate ways in which the entity shall disseminate information to potential applicants, which may include: newspaper, radio, television, and other electronic and non-electronic media advertisements as well as flyers and announcements to social service agencies and other organizations with the desire and capacity to inform potential applicants of the availability of housing opportunities. These mechanisms or organizations shall represent those most likely to be read, heard, seen by, or in contact with potential applicants least likely to apply. (2) Locale – Affirmative fair housing marketing plans shall provide for the dissemination of information at a minimum in (A) the largest city located in the nearest Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area or Areas or Metropolitan Statistical Area or Areas, (B) the Regional Council of Governments planning region in which the entity is located, as defined by section 4-124i of the Connecticut General Statutes, and (C) any other areas where those least likely to apply may reside. (3) Time frame – Affirmative fair housing marketing plans shall identify the time frame, duration, and frequency of the mechanisms for the dissemination of information set forth in subdivision (1) of this subsection. At a minimum, affirmative fair housing marketing shall begin ten (10) business days prior to general marketing of the housing opportunity. (4) Content – Affirmative fair housing marketing plans shall identify the content of the materials to be disseminated to potential applicants which at a minimum shall: (A) identify the location of the housing opportunity; (B) describe the housing opportunity; (C) identify when the application process shall begin and end; (D) encourage all potentially eligible applicants to apply; (E) include a contact person and telephone number; (F) display the fair housing logo and clearly state the entity’s commitment to fair housing and non-discrimination in accordance with all applicable state, federal and local fair housing laws and regulations; (G) where there is any advertising depicting persons, depict persons of diverse demographic groups; (H) include a fair housing policy statement that satisfies the requirements of section 8-37ee-602 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies; and (I) set forth how persons with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation pursuant to section 46a-64c of the Connecticut General Statutes. (5) Community contacts – Affirmative fair housing marketing plans shall identify community contacts, which contacts shall include individuals and organizations that are well known in the area and that can communicate with and assist those least likely to apply. These individuals and organizations may include, without limitation, religious organizations, housing counseling groups, legal services organizations, labor unions, minority and women’s organizations, shelters, social service agencies, housing authorities, or town officials. Entities shall provide each community contact appropriate materials, as described in subdivision (4) of this subsection, with additional instructions, if necessary. (6) Counseling and application assistance – Affirmative fair housing marketing plans shall provide that either the contact person or a housing counseling organization, fair housing officer or other similar party is trained in all applicable state, federal and local fair housing laws and regulations and the requirements of any such law or regulation and is ready and willing to assist all potential applicants, including those least likely to apply, and those who may need reasonable accommodation, with the application process. (7) Follow-up – Affirmative fair housing marketing plans shall provide for follow-up meetings or reports from the various organizations and individuals listed in subdivision (5) of this subsection in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the affirmative fair housing marketing. Where organizations determine that few potential applicants who are among the groups least likely to apply are displaying an interest, the entity, in coordination with the organizations and individuals shall consider alternative approaches set forth in subdivision (1) of this subsection.
Connecticut regulation Conn. Agencies Regs. § 8-37ee-601 establishes a structured affirmative fair housing marketing process that housing entities must follow when making units available. The rule requires entities to identify which demographic groups are least likely to apply, then design outreach efforts—covering media channels, geographic reach, timing, content, community contacts, and application assistance—specifically aimed at reaching those groups. Marketing to underrepresented groups must begin at least ten business days before general marketing opens, and entities must follow up to evaluate whether their outreach actually reached the intended audiences.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators subject to Conn. Agencies Regs. § 8-37ee-601 generally document the demographic data sources they used to identify underrepresented applicant groups and build a written affirmative fair housing marketing plan around those findings. Compliant plans typically specify the media channels, geographic areas (including the relevant Metropolitan Statistical Area and Regional Council of Governments planning region), and a timeline that launches targeted outreach at least ten business days before general marketing begins. Materials must carry the fair housing logo, a non-discrimination statement, a reasonable accommodation notice, and diverse imagery, while designated community contacts and trained counselors are identified to assist applicants through the process.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Conn. Agencies Regs. § 8-37ee-601, prospective applicants—particularly those from groups historically least likely to apply—have a right to receive outreach materials that describe the housing opportunity, explain the application window, and include contact information for a person trained in fair housing law who can assist with the process. The regulation also requires that information about requesting a reasonable accommodation be included in all marketing materials, supporting applicants with disabilities. Individuals who believe an entity failed to conduct required affirmative marketing may consider contacting a local fair housing organization, a Connecticut civil rights agency, or a tenant-rights group 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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