New York City Fair Housing Protected Classes
Last verified: 2026-05-01 · 21 protected classes
The NYC Human Rights Law is one of the most expansive municipal anti-discrimination ordinances in the U.S., adding partnership status, alienage or citizenship status, lawful occupation, and credit history to housing protections.
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Originally enacted as 'handicap'; covers physical and mental impairments.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
View New York referenceSource: 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)
Local additions — New York City
Source: New York City Human Rights Law · Official text
Age
NYC Admin Code § 8-107(5)
Gender
NYC Admin Code § 8-107(5)
Includes actual or perceived sex, gender identity, and gender expression.
Sexual orientation
NYC Admin Code § 8-107(5)
Alienage or citizenship status
NYC Admin Code § 8-107(5)
Marital or partnership status
NYC Admin Code § 8-107(5)
Lawful source of income
NYC Admin Code § 8-107(5)
Includes Section 8 vouchers, Social Security, public assistance.
Status as a victim of domestic violence
NYC Admin Code § 8-107(5)
Status as a victim of sex offenses or stalking
NYC Admin Code § 8-107(5)
Lawful occupation
NYC Admin Code § 8-107(5)
Uniformed service
NYC Admin Code § 8-107(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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