Housing discrimination

Fighting discrimination in housing 

No New Yorker should face discrimination in buying or renting a house or apartment.   

Federal and state laws ensure that equal housing opportunities are available to all. The Office of the New York State Attorney General enforces your right as a New Yorker to buy or rent a house or apartment without experiencing discrimination.  

We investigate claims of housing-related discrimination under state, federal, and local laws where there is a “pattern or practice” (including an official or unofficial policy) of discrimination or harassment against homebuyers or tenants.

We define discrimination or harassment as being treated differently or experiencing unwanted and offensive behavior because of:

• race
• creed
• color
• national origin
• sexual orientation
• gender identity or expression
• military status
• sex
• age
• disability
• marital status
• status as a victim of domestic violence
• familial status 

We combat systemic discrimination, which is discrimination that affects a significant number of homebuyers or renters. Here are some examples of housing-related discrimination we have handled:

• Attorney General James and Governor Hochul Tackle Discriminatory Practices at Long Island Real Estate Brokerages
• Attorney General James Ends Discriminatory Housing Practices Against Jewish Community in Orange County