New Fair Housing Laws in New York State

THE FOLLOWING ARE SOME 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 the potential purchaser or tenant’s 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 that 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

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

ALBANY OFFICE:
One Commerce Plaza
99 Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 22001
Albany, NY 12201-2001

Customer Service: (518) 474-4429 

Website: www.dos.ny.gov

E-Mail: licensing@dos.ny.gov

REGIONAL OFFICES:
BINGHAMTON • BUFFALO • HAUPPAUGE • NEW YORK CITY • UTICA