New York Fair Housing Protected Classes
Last verified: 2026-05-01 · 15 protected classes
New York's Human Rights Law expands housing protections to include lawful source of income, military status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, and victims of domestic violence.
Federal baseline (applies everywhere)
View United States (Federal) referenceSource: Fair Housing Act, 42 USC §§ 3601–3619 · Official text
Race(added 1968)
42 USC § 3604(a)
Color(added 1968)
42 USC § 3604(a)
Religion(added 1968)
42 USC § 3604(a)
National origin(added 1968)
42 USC § 3604(a)
Sex(added 1974)
42 USC § 3604(a)
Familial status(added 1988)
42 USC § 3604(a)
Households with children under 18, including pregnant individuals.
Disability(added 1988)
42 USC § 3604(f)
Originally enacted as 'handicap'; covers physical and mental impairments.
State additions — New York
Source: New York State Human Rights Law · Official text
Creed
NY Exec. Law § 296(5)
Age
NY Exec. Law § 296(5)
Sexual orientation
NY Exec. Law § 296(5)
Gender identity or expression
NY Exec. Law § 296(5)
Marital status
NY Exec. Law § 296(5)
Military status
NY Exec. Law § 296(5)
Lawful source of income
NY Exec. Law § 296(5)
Includes Section 8 vouchers, Social Security, SSI, and other public assistance.
Status as a victim of domestic violence
NY Exec. Law § 296(5)
Important
This page is a compliance reference, not legal advice. Statute interpretation and enforcement varies. Verify against the current text of cited statutes and consult a licensed attorney for advice on a specific situation.
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