NYS Senator Eric Adams joined his Senate Majority Conference colleagues to pass S7613, making it illegal under the New York State Human Rights Law for landlords to discriminate based upon an individual’s source of income.
Senator Adams states: “Numerous individuals, including those with disabilities, rely on subsidies or other assistance programs to live independently in the community. Many have been denied fair treatment in the rental process.
“Our bill will protect people who have lawful sources of income, including wages, social security, government public assistance, and rental subsidies such as Section 8 vouchers, against discrimination practices by an owner, lessee, or managing agent or any other person having the right to sell, rent, or lease a housing accommodation.
“Potential tenants can no longer be screened using unfair disqualifiers, such as income source. To reject their applications on this basis has diminished affordable housing choices for those who need it most. Our bill sends a clear message that everyone is entitled equal treatment in the application process.
“The assistance and subsidies that many needy families receive render them able to afford housing. They must not be discriminated against because of their income source.”
