Homeownership
When gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender couples set out to buy a home, as a growing number are, they may confront several forms of discrimination that married heterosexual couples do not face. Among them:
- GLBT couples can face discrimination in access to housing, and there is no federal law against it.
- Same-sex couples often must pay more in taxes when they buy or sell a home, or transfer ownership interest, than married heterosexual couples do.
- In the event of a breakup or death, one partner may find himself or herself out of a home – unless the couple had the proper legal documents drawn up.