Fair Housing and Anti-Discrimination Laws

Federal, State, and Local Fair Housing and Anti-Discrimination Laws provide comprehensive protections from discrimination in housing. It is unlawful for any property owner, landlord, property manager, or other person who sells, rents, or leases housing to discriminate based on certain protected characteristics, which include but are not limited to:

• Race
• Creed
• Color
• National origin
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity or expression
• Military status
• Sex
• Age
• Disability
• Marital status
• Lawful source of income
• Familial status

Real estate professionals must comply with all Fair Housing and Anti-Discrimination Laws.

Violations of the Law

Real estate brokers, salespersons, employees, and agents violate the law if they:

• Discriminate based on any protected characteristic when negotiating a sale, rental, or lease, including representing that a property is not available when it is.
• Negotiate discriminatory terms of sale, rental, or lease (e.g., different price based on race or national origin).
• Discriminate based on any protected characteristic due to the preference of a seller or landlord.
• Engage in “steering” – guiding buyers or renters based on protected characteristics.
• Engage in “blockbusting” – making claims about neighborhood changes based on demographics.
• Pressure a client or employee to violate Fair Housing Law.
• Express discrimination through statements, publications, advertisements, or inquiries.

You Have the Right to File a Complaint

If you believe you have been the victim of housing discrimination, you can file a complaint with the New York State Division of Human Rights (DHR). How to file with DHR:

• Download a complaint form from: www.dhr.ny.gov
• Visit or contact a DHR office. Find offices at: https://dhr.ny.gov/contact-us
• Call the Fair Housing Hotline at (844) 862-8703

How to file with the NYS Department of State:

• Download the form at: dos.ny.gov
• Visit or contact a Department office
• Call (518) 474-4429

There is no fee. It is unlawful to retaliate against someone for filing a complaint.

More Information

• https://dhr.ny.gov/fairhousing
• https://www.dos.ny.gov/licensing/fairhousing.html

Acknowledgment

This form was provided by: Real Estate Salesperson/Broker Name: ____________________________ Company/Firm/Brokerage: _____________________________________ I/We (Buyer/Tenant/Seller/Landlord) acknowledge receipt of this disclosure form. Signature: ____________________________ Date: _______________ Signature: ____________________________ Date: _______________ Real estate brokers and salespersons are required by New York State law to provide this disclosure.