While there is currently no law in New York City prohibiting landlords in general from rejecting applicants because they rely on Section 8 vouchers or other forms of government assistance, there is a notable exception.

Local Law 44 of 1993, which I wrote and which was recently upheld by the New York State Court of Appeals, mandates that landlords who receive J-51 tax abatements from New York City may not discriminate against tenants or potential tenants based on their participation in government financed housing assistance programs, including Section 8.

I and State Senators Liz Krueger and Eric Schneiderman have asked the New York City Departments of Finance and Housing Preservation and Development to make available a list of buildings that receive the J-51 tax benefit, and thus are prevented from discriminating against voucher holders.

Clearly, this would be exceptionally useful information for voucher holders at this time.

Thomas K. Duane
New York State Senator
29th District