United Tenants of Albany is an Emerging Fair Housing Office in New York State, currently serving Albany County.
Fair Housing Laws exist at the federal, state, and local levels to protect people from discrimination and to ensure everyone has equal access to housing. These laws apply to rental housing, home sales, lending, and other housing-related activities.
What Fair Housing Laws Protect
Federal Fair Housing Law prohibits discrimination based on:
- Race
- Color
- Religion
- National origin
- Sex
- Disability
- Familial status (including families with children, pregnant people, or those seeking custody of minor children)
New York State’s Human Rights Law adds further protections, including:
- Age
- Marital status
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity
- Lawful source of income (such as Section 8 or other rental subsidies)
Examples of Housing Discrimination
Discrimination is not always obvious. Below are some common examples:
- Refusing to rent to someone with a Section 8 voucher or housing subsidy
- Not providing reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities
- Advertising units with phrases like “no children” or “adults preferred“
- Denying a good faith request for a service or emotional support animal
- Refusing to rent to immigrants or undocumented individuals
If you experience any of these situations, you may have the right to file a Fair Housing complaint.
Exemptions: When Fair Housing Laws May Not Apply
There are a few types of housing that are not covered by these protections:
- One or two family Owner-occupied buildings
- Room rentals in housing for individuals of the same sex
- Room rentals in owner occupied buildings
If you believe your housing rights have been violated, contact United Tenants of Albany at 518-646-0629 to speak with someone about your options.