Can a landlord refuse to rent to me in NYC?

Question

Accepted Answer

Under New York City's Human Rights Law, landlords are prohibited from refusing to rent based on a wide range of protected characteristics — broader than federal law.

Protected categories in NYC include:

Race, color, national origin, religion
Gender, gender identity and expression
Sexual orientation
Age, disability
Marital or partnership status
Immigration or citizenship status
Source of income (including Section 8 vouchers)
Criminal record (with exceptions)

What to do if you experience discrimination: File a complaint with the NYC Commission on Human Rights. Complaints can be submitted online and investigations are free.