US-New YorkDoes New York law protect me from housing discrimination?
Yes, New York law strongly protects you from housing discrimination based on multiple personal characteristics, including race, religion, sexual orientation, and source of income.
What the Law Says
New York State and New York City both prohibit housing discrimination through comprehensive fair housing laws. These laws apply to landlords, real estate agents, co-op and condo boards, lenders, and insurers.
The New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL) bans discrimination in housing based on age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military status, sex, marital status, disability, lawful source of income, familial status, and other traits — totaling over 18 protected characteristics.
The New York City Human Rights Law (NYC HRL) provides even broader protections, including additional categories like caregiver status, unemployment status, and arrest or conviction record (with limitations). It also imposes stricter standards on landlords and stricter penalties for violations.
Both laws make it illegal to refuse to rent or sell housing, set different terms or conditions, falsely deny availability, or steer applicants based on protected traits. Discrimination based on 'lawful source of income' — such as Section 8 vouchers, Social Security, or alimony — is explicitly prohibited under NYSHRL.
Statutory TextIt shall be an unlawful discriminatory practice for any person, being the owner, lessee, sub-lessee, assignee, or managing agent of any housing accommodation… to refuse to sell, rent or lease… or to refuse to negotiate for the sale, rental or lease… because of the race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military status, sex, marital status, disability, lawful source of income, familial status or any other characteristic protected by law.
— N.Y. Exec. Law § 296(5)(a)(1) — Unlawful discriminatory practices in housing
Statutory TextIt shall be an unlawful discriminatory practice for any person engaged in the business of selling, renting or leasing housing accommodations… to discriminate against any person because of… source of income.
— N.Y. Exec. Law § 296(5)(a)(2) — Source of income protection
What Courts Have Said
New York courts have consistently upheld broad interpretations of housing protections — especially regarding source of income and disability accommodations.
Court held that refusing to accept a tenant’s Section 8 voucher constitutes unlawful discrimination under NYSHRL’s 'lawful source of income' provision.
Affirmed that denying a reasonable accommodation request for a service animal due to a no-pets policy violates NYSHRL’s disability protections.
What to Do
Document everything: save emails, texts, ads, notes from conversations, and names/dates/times.
File a complaint within 1 year with the NYS Division of Human Rights (state) or NYC Commission on Human Rights (city).
Request a reasonable accommodation in writing if you need a policy change due to disability or family status.
Contact a fair housing organization (e.g., Fair Housing Justice Center) for free advice or testing.
Consult an attorney — many offer free initial consultations, and legal aid may be available if income-eligible.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.