Important Update

Did you know that renters in New York can no longer be discriminated against for paying for their rent by non-wage sources of income (SOI), including Section 8 housing choice vouchers, Social Security, veterans' benefits, disability benefits, and child support?

This major step forward in preventing housing discrimination in New York state was the result of a statewide campaign that was first initiated by ERASE Racism in 2016. The #BanIncomeBiasNY campaign was co-led by four organizations – Enterprise Community Partners, which successfully coordinated the most recent effort, ERASE Racism, the Fair Housing Justice Center, and the New York Housing Conference – and grew to include 114 organizations. Its membership reflects the statewide nature of the problem, which is evident in suburban, rural, and urban settings.

A link to the Coalition's press release is here.

Reliance on legal non-wage sources of income is extensive and affects more than 576,000 low-income New Yorkers who use federal rental assistance to pay for housing.

President of ERASE Racism, Elaine Gross outlined the importance of this much-needed ban:

"Discrimination on this basis unfairly reduces the housing options of low-income New Yorkers. It drives poverty and segregation, can result in homelessness, and is often used as a proxy for illegal discrimination based on disability, familial status, or race.

New York State now has broad and uniform protection in place that will benefit all New Yorkers no matter where they live. I am struck by how many people with many talents helped put this protection in place. I thank everyone who helped make it happen."

Take Action

If you feel that you have been discriminated against due to your source of income, please contact Long Island Housing Services or the Fair Housing Justice Center for direct assistance.