Learn About State Protections
Fair housing protections form the cornerstone of equitable access to homeownership across America. While federal law establishes baseline protections against discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability, it does not currently include Military Status or Veteran Status as protected classes. However, a growing number of states have recognized the unique contributions and needs of those who have served our nation by extending explicit fair housing protections to service members and veterans within their jurisdictions.
Understanding these state-level protections is essential for real estate professionals, policymakers, and consumers alike. When states designate Military or Veteran Status as protected classes, they create legal frameworks that prohibit discrimination in housing transactions based on an individual's service history. These protections become particularly relevant when considering financing options like VA loans, which are specifically designed to benefit eligible service members, veterans, and their families. In states with these protections, practices that discourage or reject qualified buyers using VA financing may constitute unlawful discrimination, exposing housing providers and real estate professionals to legal liability while simultaneously limiting opportunities for those who have served.
This resource provides a comprehensive, state-by-state overview of Military and Veteran Status protections across the United States. Our goal is to equip real estate professionals with the knowledge they need to serve all qualified buyers fairly and compliantly, help policymakers understand the landscape of state protections, and empower consumers to understand their rights. By fostering inclusive practices that welcome all financing types and treat every qualified buyer with equal consideration, we support both fair housing principles and expanded market opportunities. The information presented here is educational in nature and should not be construed as legal advice—always consult qualified legal counsel for guidance on specific situations and state requirements.
States With Military or Veteran Status Protections
Across the United States, twenty states and one territory have taken legislative action to explicitly protect Military Status, Veteran Status, or both within their fair housing laws. These protections vary in scope and specific language, but they share a common purpose: ensuring that individuals who have served in the armed forces are not subjected to discrimination when seeking housing. The following comprehensive overview details each jurisdiction's approach to protecting service members and veterans in housing transactions.
California
Protection Type: Veteran or Military Status
Legal Reference: Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), Government Code § 12955
California's comprehensive fair housing law explicitly prohibits discrimination based on veteran or military status in housing transactions, including rentals, sales, and financing. This protection applies broadly to all aspects of the housing market and is enforced by the California Civil Rights Department.
Colorado
Protection Type: Veteran Status
Legal Reference: Colorado Fair Housing Act, C.R.S. § 24-34-502
Colorado law protects veteran status as a distinct protected class, making it unlawful to discriminate against veterans in housing opportunities. This protection ensures veterans have equal access to housing regardless of their service history or use of veteran-specific benefits like VA loans.
Connecticut
Protection Type: Veteran Status
Legal Reference: Connecticut Fair Housing Act, C.G.S. § 46a-64c
Connecticut's fair housing statute includes veteran status among its protected classes, prohibiting discriminatory practices against veterans in all housing-related activities, from initial advertising through final sale or lease agreements.
Delaware
Protection Type: Military Status
Legal Reference: Delaware Fair Housing Act, 6 Del. C. § 4603
Delaware protects military status, covering active-duty service members, reservists, and National Guard members. This protection acknowledges the unique challenges military families face with frequent relocations and ensures they are not disadvantaged in housing markets.
Illinois
Protection Type: Military Status
Legal Reference: Illinois Human Rights Act, 775 ILCS 5/3-102
Illinois law prohibits discrimination based on military status, providing protection for active service members and those with orders to enter military service. This ensures military families have fair access to housing during critical transition periods.
Iowa
Protection Type: Veteran Status
Legal Reference: Iowa Civil Rights Act, Iowa Code § 216.8A
Iowa recognizes veteran status as a protected class under its civil rights law, ensuring that those who have completed military service are not discriminated against in housing based on their veteran status or use of veteran benefits.
Louisiana
Protection Type: Veteran Status
Legal Reference: Louisiana Fair Housing Law, La. R.S. 51:2601-2617
Louisiana's fair housing law extends protection to veteran status, recognizing the service and sacrifice of veterans and ensuring they have equal opportunity to access housing throughout the state without facing discrimination.
Massachusetts
Protection Type: Veteran Status
Legal Reference: Massachusetts Fair Housing Law, M.G.L. c. 151B
Massachusetts includes veteran status among its protected classes, providing robust anti-discrimination protections in housing transactions. The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination actively enforces these protections throughout the Commonwealth.
Michigan
Veteran Status
Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, M.C.L. 37.2502
Minnesota
Veteran Status
Minnesota Human Rights Act, Minn. Stat. § 363A.09
New Jersey
Veteran Status
New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, N.J.S.A. 10:5-4
New York
Military Status
New York Human Rights Law, Executive Law § 296
North Carolina
Veteran Status
North Carolina Fair Housing Act, N.C.G.S. § 41A-4
Ohio
Military Status
Ohio Fair Housing Law, O.R.C. § 4112.02
Oregon
Veteran Status
Oregon Fair Housing Law, O.R.S. § 659A.145
Puerto Rico
Veteran Status
Puerto Rico Fair Housing Act, Law No. 100-2019
Virginia
Protection Type: Military Status | Legal Reference: Virginia Fair Housing Law, Va. Code § 36-96.1
Virginia protects military status, covering active-duty personnel and those with military service obligations, reflecting the state's significant military presence and commitment to service member rights.
Washington
Protection Type: Military Status | Legal Reference: Washington Law Against Discrimination, RCW 49.60.222
Washington State law prohibits discrimination based on military status, ensuring service members and their families have equal access to housing opportunities throughout the state.

Important Note: This information is current as of publication and provided for educational purposes only. State laws are subject to change through legislative action or court interpretation. Always consult current statutes, regulations, and qualified legal counsel for the most up-to-date information and guidance on specific situations. This resource does not constitute legal advice.
Why These Protections Matter
State-level protections for Military and Veteran Status represent more than symbolic recognition of service—they create enforceable legal frameworks that directly impact housing access and market dynamics. In the twenty states and one territory that have enacted these protections, the implications extend across multiple dimensions of the real estate transaction process, affecting how properties are marketed, how offers are evaluated, and how financing preferences influence seller and agent decision-making. Understanding why these protections exist and what they accomplish is essential for anyone involved in residential real estate transactions.
The most immediate practical impact of these protections relates to financing discrimination. Veterans Affairs (VA) loans, a benefit earned through military service, offer qualified veterans significant advantages including zero down payment requirements, competitive interest rates, and no private mortgage insurance. However, some sellers and their agents have historically viewed VA financing less favorably than conventional loans, sometimes due to misconceptions about appraisal requirements, closing timelines, or property condition standards. In states where Military or Veteran Status is a protected class, practices that discourage, deprioritize, or reject otherwise qualified buyers specifically because they are using VA financing may constitute unlawful discrimination. This legal framework ensures that service members and veterans can exercise their earned benefits without facing systematic disadvantage in competitive housing markets.
Legal Compliance
In protected states, discriminatory practices based on military or veteran status can result in formal complaints, investigations, and legal liability under state fair housing laws. Housing providers and real estate professionals must ensure their practices comply with state-specific requirements.
Market Access
These protections ensure service members and veterans have equal opportunity to compete for housing in their preferred communities, preventing systematic exclusion from neighborhoods based on their financing choices or service history.
Ethical Practice
Beyond legal requirements, inclusive practices align with professional ethics and industry standards that call for treating all qualified buyers fairly and serving clients' best interests by maximizing their buyer pool.
The economic implications of these protections also deserve consideration. Veterans represent a substantial portion of the homebuying market—according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the VA loan program guarantees hundreds of thousands of home loans annually, representing billions of dollars in purchasing power. In competitive markets, sellers who unnecessarily limit their buyer pool by discouraging VA financing may inadvertently reduce demand for their properties, potentially affecting sale price and time on market. Real estate professionals who understand and embrace inclusive practices can better serve their seller clients by ensuring maximum market exposure to all qualified buyers, while simultaneously expanding their own business opportunities by working effectively with veteran buyers.
From a broader societal perspective, these protections recognize the unique sacrifices and contributions of military service members and veterans. Frequent relocations, deployment-related housing disruptions, and transition challenges when leaving military service create distinct housing needs for military families. State protections acknowledge these realities and ensure that those who have served the nation are not disadvantaged in one of life's most significant financial decisions—purchasing a home. By prohibiting discrimination and promoting inclusive practices, these laws support successful community reintegration for veterans and contribute to housing stability for military families.

Key Takeaway: Inclusive practices protect consumers, support fair housing principles, and expand your seller's buyer pool. In states with Military or Veteran Status protections, avoiding discrimination isn't just ethical—it's legally required and economically sound.
Finally, these protections serve an important educational function within the real estate industry. By explicitly naming Military and Veteran Status as protected classes, state legislatures send clear signals about community values and expectations for professional conduct. This clarity helps real estate professionals, property managers, sellers, and landlords understand their obligations and encourages proactive training and policy development. When industry participants understand both the legal requirements and the underlying principles, they are better equipped to create truly inclusive housing markets where all qualified buyers—regardless of their financing source or service history—have equal opportunity to find homes in communities where they wish to live.
What Real Estate Professionals Should Know
Navigating fair housing obligations in states with Military or Veteran Status protections requires awareness, intention, and practical action. Real estate professionals—including agents, brokers, property managers, and transaction coordinators—play pivotal roles in ensuring compliance with these protections while providing excellent service to all clients and customers. The following guidance provides a practical framework for incorporating these protections into daily practice, maintaining legal compliance, and fostering inclusive market environments.
01
Understand Your State's Protected Classes
Begin by confirming whether your state includes Military Status, Veteran Status, or both as protected classes. Review your state's fair housing statute and familiarize yourself with enforcement agencies and complaint processes.
02
Audit Your Marketing and Listing Language
Review all property listings, advertisements, and marketing materials to ensure they do not contain language that could discourage or exclude buyers based on financing type, military status, or veteran status.
03
Educate Seller Clients
Proactively discuss fair housing obligations with seller clients, explaining the importance of considering all qualified offers equally and the potential legal and financial risks of discriminatory practices.
04
Train Your Team
Ensure that all team members, from showing assistants to transaction coordinators, understand protected class status and how to handle inquiries and offers in compliance with fair housing law.
05
Document Your Processes
Maintain clear documentation of how offers are presented, evaluated, and responded to, demonstrating that decisions are based on legitimate business factors rather than protected class status.
06
Seek Expert Guidance
When questions arise about specific situations, consult your managing broker, association legal hotline, or qualified legal counsel before taking action that could create liability.
Red Flag Phrases to Avoid
Certain language in listings, communications, or conversations can signal discriminatory intent or create fair housing liability. Be particularly cautious about the following:
  • "No VA loans" or "Cash or conventional only"
  • "Seller prefers conventional financing"
  • "Not suitable for VA financing"
  • "Property sold as-is, VA buyers may have difficulty"
  • Any statement suggesting veterans or service members are less desirable buyers
  • Steering buyers away from VA financing without legitimate property-specific reasons
Instead, focus listing descriptions on property features, condition, and value rather than preferred buyer characteristics or financing types.
Best Practices for Offer Evaluation
When multiple offers are received, establish clear, objective criteria for evaluation such as price, contingency periods, closing timeline, and buyer qualifications. Apply these criteria consistently to all offers regardless of financing type. Document your evaluation process and recommendations to clients in writing.
Working With VA Buyers
Develop expertise in VA loan requirements, timelines, and processes so you can effectively represent buyers using this financing and address seller concerns with accurate information rather than misconceptions. Many perceived VA loan challenges can be mitigated through proper transaction management.
Continuing Education
Fair housing law evolves through legislation, regulation, and court decisions. Participate in regular continuing education on fair housing topics, stay informed about changes in your state's protected classes, and review your brokerage's policies annually.

Professional Responsibility: Real estate licensees have both legal and ethical obligations to understand and comply with fair housing laws. The National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics Article 10 specifically addresses equal professional service and prohibits discrimination. State licensing laws typically include fair housing compliance as a licensure requirement. Violations can result in license discipline, civil liability, and professional reputation damage.
Beyond compliance requirements, embracing inclusive practices offers significant professional advantages. Real estate professionals who build reputations as knowledgeable, veteran-friendly agents can develop valuable specializations and referral networks within military and veteran communities. These communities value professionals who understand their unique needs, respect their service, and ensure they receive fair treatment in housing transactions. By combining legal compliance with genuine commitment to serving all buyers and sellers effectively, real estate professionals position themselves for both ethical practice and business success in increasingly diverse markets.
Supporting Fair and Equal Access to Housing
The expansion of fair housing protections to include Military and Veteran Status in numerous states reflects a growing recognition that those who serve our nation deserve equal opportunity to access housing in communities of their choice. These protections are not merely technical legal requirements—they represent a commitment to fairness, inclusion, and recognition of service that transcends partisan divisions and regional differences. As more states consider similar legislation and existing protections are tested and refined through enforcement actions and court decisions, the landscape of fair housing continues to evolve toward greater inclusivity.
For real estate professionals, understanding these protections is both a compliance imperative and a competitive advantage. Markets function most efficiently when all qualified participants can compete on equal footing, unencumbered by discrimination based on protected characteristics. Sellers benefit from maximum market exposure and the strongest possible buyer pool. Buyers benefit from fair evaluation based on qualifications rather than bias. Communities benefit from diversity, stability, and the presence of service members and veterans who bring valuable experience, skills, and perspectives. The real estate industry benefits from enhanced professionalism, reduced legal risk, and strengthened public trust.
Ongoing Education
Stay informed about fair housing developments in your state and nationally. Participate in training opportunities and share knowledge with colleagues to elevate industry standards.
Community Engagement
Build relationships with veteran service organizations, military installations, and community groups serving service members and veterans. Understanding their needs enhances your ability to serve these clients effectively.
Advocacy & Leadership
Support policies and practices that promote fair housing, encourage your brokerage to adopt veteran-friendly policies, and lead by example in treating all qualified buyers with equal professionalism.
Policymakers and advocacy organizations continue to work toward consistent, comprehensive protections across all jurisdictions. While the federal Fair Housing Act establishes crucial baseline protections, state-level innovation in expanding protected classes demonstrates how local legislation can address specific community needs and values. The states that have enacted Military and Veteran Status protections have created valuable models for others to consider, providing frameworks that balance property owner rights with the imperative to prevent discrimination against those who have served.
For consumers—particularly service members, veterans, and their families—awareness of these protections empowers informed decision-making and self-advocacy. If you believe you have experienced discrimination based on military or veteran status in a state with these protections, resources are available to help you understand your rights and pursue remedies. State civil rights agencies, fair housing organizations, and legal aid services can provide guidance on complaint processes and enforcement options. Knowledge of your protected status under state law is the first step toward ensuring equal treatment in your housing search.
"The goal of fair housing law is simple but profound: every person should have the opportunity to live where they choose, limited only by their financial capacity and personal preferences, not by discrimination based on who they are. For those who have served in uniform, this principle takes on added significance—after protecting the freedoms we all enjoy, service members and veterans deserve to exercise those freedoms fully, including the freedom to pursue homeownership with dignity and equal treatment."
This resource represents one step in the broader mission of promoting fair, equal access to housing for all Americans, with particular focus on those who have served our nation. By combining legal knowledge, ethical commitment, and practical action, real estate professionals can ensure that the promise of fair housing becomes reality in every transaction. As you apply this information in your practice, remember that compliance with fair housing law is not a burden to be managed but an opportunity to demonstrate professionalism, serve clients effectively, and contribute to communities where everyone—regardless of their background or service history—has the chance to achieve the American dream of homeownership.
Fair Housing
Supporting Veterans
Legal Compliance