Federal, State, and Local Fair Housing Laws

Federal, state, and local Fair Housing Laws provide comprehensive protections against discrimination in housing. It is unlawful for any property owner, landlord, property manager, or any individual involved in the sale, rental, or lease of housing to discriminate based on certain protected characteristics. These 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, or familial status.

Real estate professionals are also required to comply with all Fair Housing Laws. Real estate brokers, salespersons, their employees, and agents are in violation of the law if they:

• Discriminate based on any protected characteristic when negotiating the sale, rental, or lease of a property. This includes falsely representing that a property is unavailable due to race, national origin, or any other protected status.

• Offer or suggest discriminatory terms in a sale, rental, or lease agreement, such as quoting different prices or terms based on a protected characteristic.

• Discriminate based on the personal preferences of a seller or landlord regarding any protected class.

• Engage in “steering,” which is the practice of guiding prospective buyers or renters toward or away from certain neighborhoods or buildings based on protected characteristics.

• Engage in “blockbusting,” which occurs when a real estate professional suggests that changes in the demographic composition of a neighborhood (based on protected classes) will lead to negative consequences, such as declining property values, increased crime, or deteriorating schools.

• Pressure a client or employee to act in violation of Fair Housing Laws.

• Express discriminatory preferences or limitations in any form—whether verbal, written, or published—including advertisements, applications, inquiries, or records.

You Have the Right to File a Complaint

If you believe you have been a victim of housing discrimination, you are encouraged to file a complaint with the New York State Division of Human Rights (DHR). Complaints may be filed by:

• Downloading a complaint form from the DHR website: www.dhr.ny.gov

• Visiting a DHR office in person

• Contacting a DHR office by phone or mail for assistance and forms

• Calling the Fair Housing HOTLINE at (844) 862-8703

• Finding office locations online: https://dhr.ny.gov/contact-us

You may also file a complaint with the NYS Department of State, Division of Licensing Services. To file:

• Download a complaint form from: https://www.dos.ny.gov/licensing/complaint_links.html

• Visit a Department office in person

• Contact a Department office by phone or mail

• Call the Department directly at (518) 474-4429

These services are provided at no cost to you. It is illegal for anyone to retaliate against you for filing a complaint.