NYC FAIR HOUSING FLYER for Landlords , Property Management and tenants (PDF)

SUMMARY OF NYC FAIR HOUSING FLYER

Overview

The flyer explains NYC’s Fair Housing protections under the NYC Human Rights Law. It states that all New Yorkers have the right to fair and equal access to housing, and that housing discrimination is illegal in all residential and commercial rental transactions.

This applies to landlords, property managers, brokers, supers, leasing agents, and building staff.

KEY PROTECTIONS

It is unlawful to discriminate based on actual or perceived:

• Race, Color, National Origin
• Religion / Creed
• Gender or Gender Identity
• Sexual Orientation
• Age
• Disability
• Pregnancy
• Immigration Status
• Occupation
• Presence of Children
• Marital/Partnership Status
• Source of Income (ex: Section 8, LINC, FHEPS, Cash Assistance, SSI)
• Victim of Domestic Violence status

WHAT LANDLORDS / PROPERTY MANAGERS / BROKERS MUST KNOW

1. You cannot refuse tenants or charge more because of protected status.

Illegal actions include:

• Charging higher rent
• Imposing additional fees
• Offering different services or amenities
• Refusing repairs
• Steering tenants to certain floors or units
• Saying “no vouchers,” “no Section 8,” or “adults only”

2. It is illegal to post discriminatory ads or statements.

Landlords may not say:

• “No children”
• “No vouchers”
• “Working people only”
• “No immigrants”
• “Perfect credit required” (if selectively used)

Any advertisement limiting who can apply is a violation.

3. You must provide and pay for reasonable accommodations for disabilities (unless undue hardship).

Examples:

• Allowing emotional support animals
• Installing grab bars
• Adjusting building policies
• Improving access within a unit or building

You cannot refuse an ESA, impose pet fees, or threaten penalties if the tenant has documented need.

4. Buildings with 6+ units MUST accept government rent assistance.

This includes:

• Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
• CityFHEPS
• Cash Assistance
• SSI/SSDI
• Any government subsidy used toward rent

Refusing a voucher is one of the most common violations prosecuted in NYC.

5. Landlords must prevent harassment or threats based on protected status.

They must also address harassment coming from:

• Other tenants
• Staff
• Brokers
• Supers
• Building employees

Failure to act is considered discrimination.

6. Landlords must train all employees on NYC Human Rights Law.

Owners are legally responsible for:

• Supers
• Maintenance workers
• Leasing agents
• Brokers
• Office staff

If staff discriminate, the landlord is still liable.

SCENARIOS INCLUDED IN THE FLYER

The flyer provides real examples of violations:

Scenario 1

A landlord tries to frighten immigrant tenants using threats of police or deportation → Illegal discrimination based on immigration status.

Scenario 2

Broker refuses to rent to someone with a Section 8 voucher → Illegal source-of-income discrimination.

Scenario 3

Landlord refuses reasonable accommodation for emotional support animal → Illegal disability discrimination.

TENANT RIGHTS

Tenants have the right to:

• Equal access to housing
• Request reasonable accommodations
• Be free from harassment
• Use government rental assistance
• See all available units without “steering”

FINAL MESSAGE FROM THE FLYER

“Fair Housing.
It’s your right.
It’s your responsibility.
It’s the law.”

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