NYS Housing and Anti-Discrimination Notice

Federal, State, and local Fair Housing and Anti-Discrimination Laws protect individuals from housing discrimination. It is unlawful to discriminate based on certain protected characteristics, which include, but are not limited to: race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military status, sex, age, disability, marital status, status as a victim of domestic violence, lawful source of income, or familial status.

Examples of Potential Fair Housing Violations:

• Refusing to rent, sell, or show a property based on a potential tenant or purchaser’s protected characteristic.
• Quoting a higher price to a purchaser or renter because of their protected characteristic.
• Refusing to rent to a tenant who has children, or increasing a security deposit based on the number of children who will be living in the apartment.
• Steering prospective tenants or purchasers to certain neighborhoods based on any protected characteristics.
• Refusing to rent to a potential tenant because of their source of income, including but not limited to Section 8 vouchers or other government subsidies.
• Refusing to waive a “no pet” policy for tenants who require a service, assistance, or emotional support animal.
• Discriminating at the direction of a seller or landlord, or because it is the preference of a seller or landlord.
• Refusing to rent to a renter who is a victim of domestic violence.

You Have the Right to File a Complaint

If you believe you have been the victim of housing discrimination, contact:

• New York State Department of State: (518) 474-4429
• New York State Division of Human Rights: (844) 862-8703