Refused housing or service because of who you are
Shut out of a home or a business
It is illegal for landlords, brokers and building owners to refuse to rent, set different terms, or harass tenants because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, disability and other protected traits. The same kinds of laws protect customers of stores, restaurants, hotels and other businesses open to the public.
Protections in New York and New Jersey
- The federal Fair Housing Act covers most housing nationwide.
- New York State and New York City law also prohibit discrimination based on lawful source of income, which includes housing vouchers, and New York City law protects alienage and citizenship status.
- The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination covers housing and public accommodations and also protects source of income.
- Tenants with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations and modifications, such as a service or support animal or an accessible parking space.
What to save
Listings, texts and emails, application records, names of people you spoke with, and any statements about why you were turned away. A timeline written soon after the events is valuable evidence.
Frequently asked questions
A landlord refused my housing voucher. Is that legal?
In New York State, New York City and New Jersey, refusing a tenant because of a lawful source of income, including a housing voucher, is generally prohibited.
Can a business refuse to serve me because of my accent or national origin?
No. Businesses open to the public may not refuse service or treat customers worse because of national origin or other protected traits.