What Is Fair Housing?
All New Yorkers deserve fair and equal access to housing. The federal Fair Housing Act, the New York State Human Rights Law, and the New York City Human Rights Law all prohibit housing discrimination.
Specifically, the New York City Human Rights Law prohibits discrimination in housing based on actual or perceived race, creed, color, national origin, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, uniformed service, marital status, partnership status, alienage or citizenship status of any person or group of persons, or because of any lawful source of income of such person or persons, or because children are, may be or would be residing with such person or persons.
Housing discrimination is illegal. Learn your rights and responsibilities.
If you believe you have been the victim of discrimination, contact us to file a complaint. The New York City Human Rights Law requires that the complaint be filed within one year from the date of the last alleged act of discrimination.
The Fair Housing Act is a U.S. federal law that prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, and national origin. It was enacted in 1968 as a follow-up to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and has since been amended to expand its protections.
Key Provisions:
- Prohibited Discriminations:The act prohibits discrimination in all aspects of housing, including advertising, sales, rentals, financing, and mortgage lending.
- Protected Groups:Individuals and families are protected from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status (having children), and national origin.
- Reasonable Accommodations:Housing providers are required to make reasonable accommodations in their rules, policies, practices, or services to allow individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to use and enjoy housing.
- Equal Access:The act ensures that individuals have equal access to housing regardless of their protected characteristics.
- Enforcement:The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is responsible for enforcing the Fair Housing Act.
The Commission’s Fair Housing Brochure details the rights of tenants and prospective home buyers, as well as the responsibilities of landlords and housing providers. The brochure answers some of the most commonly asked questions about housing discrimination in NYC.
Download this brochure below (Adobe download required).
