Housing Discrimination 

 

Federal, state, and local Fair Housing laws define the following as protected classes:

  • Disability

  • Age

  • Sexual orientation

  • Military status

  • Victims of domestic or dating violence

  • Source of income (New York State)

  • Race or color

  • National origin

  • Religion

  • Sex

  • Familial status

  • Marital status

Man in blue shirt holds key with rainbow key tag

Prohibited Actions by Housing Providers

Federal, state, and local Fair Housing laws PROHIBIT the following action by landlords, property managers, maintenance staff, real estate agents, and insurance companies involved in the sale or rental of housing when those actions are based on a person’s protected class.

  • Refusal to rent or sell a house or apartment

  • Denial that a house or apartment is available when it is

  • Setting different conditions or privileges for sale or rental of real property

  • Providing different services or facilities

  • Advertising or making any statement that indicated a preference based on race, color, national origin, religion, or other protected class 

If you feel you may have been discriminated against, please call our Housing Hotline, Monday through Friday, from 9AM to noon at (585) 546-3700 and we can advise you on how to file a complaint and answer your questions.