S T A T E O F N E W Y O R K
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8389
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
I N A S S E M B L Y
June 15, 2019
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Introduced by M. of A. EPSTEIN -- read once and referred to the Commit-
tee on Governmental Operations
AN ACT to amend the executive law, in relation to directing the division
of human rights to promulgate a statement regarding housing discrimi-
nation that shall be appended to any form of housing assistance
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The executive law is amended by adding a new section 295-a
to read as follows:
§ 295-A. ADDITIONAL POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE DIVISION. IN ADDITION TO
THE POWERS AND DUTIES OTHERWISE PROVIDED BY THIS ARTICLE, THE DIVISION
SHALL:
CREATE AND PROMULGATE A STATEMENT THAT SHALL BE APPENDED TO ANY FORM
OF HOUSING ASSISTANCE ADMINISTERED BY ANY STATE OR MUNICIPAL AGENCY
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE SECTION EIGHT HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER
PROGRAM, OR ANY OTHER FORM OF HOUSING ASSISTANCE, PAYMENT, OR CREDIT
REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT SUCH ASSISTANCE OR CREDIT IS PAID OR ATTRI-
BUTED DIRECTLY TO A LANDLORD. SUCH STATEMENT SHALL, AT A MINIMUM,
INCLUDE:
1. EXAMPLES OF DIFFERENT FORMS OF LAWFUL SOURCE OF INCOME;
2. EXAMPLES OF PHRASES THAT MAY INDICATE DISCRIMINATION BASED ON
LAWFUL SOURCE OF INCOME IN VIOLATION OF SECTION TWO HUNDRED NINETY-SIX
OF THIS ARTICLE;
3. A STATEMENT THAT IT IS ILLEGAL FOR LANDLORDS, BROKERS AND OTHER
HOUSING AGENTS TO REFUSE TO ACCEPT RENTAL ASSISTANCE FOR PAYMENT OF RENT
OR A SECURITY DEPOSIT IN BUILDINGS WITH SIX OR MORE UNITS;
4. A STATEMENT THAT IT IS ILLEGAL FOR LANDLORDS, BROKERS AND OTHER
HOUSING AGENTS TO REQUEST ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS FOR RENT, A SECURITY
DEPOSIT OR BROKER'S FEE BECAUSE AN INDIVIDUAL RECEIVES RENTAL ASSIST-
ANCE;
EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD13308-02-9
A. 8389 2
5. A STATEMENT THAT IT IS ILLEGAL FOR LANDLORDS, BROKERS AND OTHER
HOUSING AGENTS TO PUBLISH ANY TYPE OF ADVERTISEMENT THAT INDICATES A
REFUSAL TO ACCEPT RENTAL ASSISTANCE;
6. A STATEMENT THAT IT IS ILLEGAL FOR LANDLORDS TO REFUSE OR DELAY
MAKING REPAIRS TO AN INDIVIDUAL'S UNIT BECAUSE SUCH INDIVIDUAL PAYS RENT
WITH RENTAL ASSISTANCE;
7. A STATEMENT THAT AN INDIVIDUAL HAS THE RIGHT TO BE FREE FROM
DISCRIMINATORY, HARASSING OR THREATENING BEHAVIOR OR COMMENTS BASED ON
SUCH INDIVIDUAL'S RECEIPT OF OR APPLICATION FOR RENTAL ASSISTANCE;
8. CONTACT INFORMATION, INCLUDING PHONE NUMBERS, FOR THE APPROPRIATE
AGENCIES AND DEPARTMENTS AT WHICH TO MAKE A COMPLAINT IF THE VOUCHER
RECIPIENT FEELS THAT HE OR SHE IS A VICTIM OF SOURCE OF INCOME DISCRIMI-
NATION; AND
9. ANY OTHER INFORMATION DEEMED APPROPRIATE BY THE COMMISSIONER.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall
have become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment
and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation
of this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and
completed on or before such effective date.