Housing opportunity without discrimination.
A fair housing market protects the hopes, choices and economic futures attached to finding or offering a home.
Federal, state and local protections.
Real estate professionals, sellers, landlords and housing providers share responsibility for a market free from unlawful discrimination.
Civil Rights Act of 1866
The Civil Rights Act of 1866 prohibits racial discrimination in the selling or renting of property.
Fair Housing Act
The Fair Housing Act prohibits housing discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or disability.
HUD overviewAmericans with Disabilities Act
Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in places of public accommodation and commercial facilities.
Equal Credit Opportunity Act
The Equal Credit Opportunity Act makes discrimination unlawful in any aspect of a credit application based on protected characteristics and qualifying public-assistance income.
State and city protections
New York State and New York City laws provide additional protections, including protections involving lawful source of income and other protected classes.
NYC Human Rights LawRights and duties on every side of the transaction.
Fair housing governs advertising, availability, professional service, financing, appraisals and the terms on which a home is offered.
Offer property without discrimination.
A seller or landlord may not establish discriminatory terms, misrepresent availability or direct an agent to communicate unlawful limitations.
Expect equal access and professional service.
Home seekers have the right to consider housing without discrimination, receive equal service and be free from harassment or intimidation for exercising fair housing rights.
Reject discriminatory instructions.
Real estate professionals are prohibited from discriminating. A request from a seller or landlord to act unlawfully cannot be fulfilled by a broker or salesperson.
Provide reasonable accommodation.
Persons with disabilities are entitled to applicable reasonable accommodations in rules, practices and procedures, as well as non-discriminatory access to housing services.
Reasonable accommodationsThe right to expect equal treatment.
Equal professional service and housing choices should be available without discriminatory limitations.
Housing in your price range made available without discrimination.
Equal professional service throughout the search and transaction.
A broad range of housing choices.
No discriminatory limitations on communities or locations.
No discrimination in financing, appraising or insuring housing.
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.
Non-discriminatory terms and conditions.
Freedom from harassment, coercion or intimidation.
Complaints may be reported to the relevant city, state or federal civil-rights authority.
NYC Commission on Human Rights
Report discrimination under the New York City Human Rights Law.
Report discriminationDivision of Human Rights
Contact the state agency that enforces the New York State Human Rights Law.
Visit New York State DHRU.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Contact HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.
TTY: 800-927-9275
Report to HUDThis page provides general information and is not legal advice. Protected classes, procedures and filing deadlines may vary by jurisdiction and circumstance. Contact the appropriate agency or legal counsel for guidance about a specific matter.
Equal opportunity is fundamental to the market.
ELIKA supports fair housing, reasonable accommodation and equal professional service for every client.