Fair Housing Act

The Federal Fair Housing Act, the New York State Human Rights Law, and various local laws, such as the New York City Human Rights Law and the Nassau County and Suffolk County Human Rights Law, make it illegal to discriminate in the sale, lease, purchase, rental, or financing of any housing accommodation, or making housing otherwise unavailable, because of a protected characteristic. For a list of the protected characteristics identified by Federal, New York State, New York City, Nassau and Suffolk County, click here.

These Fair Housing Laws also prohibit the making, printing or publishing of any statement, notice or advertisement in connection with the sale or rental of housing which expresses a preference, limitation, or discrimination based on a protected class.

These laws were enacted to protect against discrimination. Any actions in violation of these laws can lead to legal liability and hefty fines.