Protects renters using a housing subsidy or voucher, or receiving public assistance from discrimination by the housing provider based on such renters' income or use of such housing subsidy, voucher or public assistance.
S01130 amends New York’s Human Rights Law in the Executive Law to expand protections for renters who use housing subsidies, vouchers, or public assistance. The bill makes it unlawful discrimination based on lawful source of income for a housing provider to impose minimum income requirements on applicants when the applicant uses a qualifying housing subsidy or voucher, including Section 8, and the rent falls within the program’s allowable limits. It also extends similar protections to renters using public assistance or housing assistance where the tenant’s share of monthly rent would be one-third or less of their gross monthly income.
The bill is aimed at preventing landlords, brokers, and other housing providers from screening out low-income tenants solely because their personal income is below a minimum threshold, so long as the subsidy or assistance covers the rent under program rules. It defines “housing provider” broadly to include owners, lessees, managing agents, brokers, salespersons, and their agents or employees. The act would take effect immediately, meaning the new anti-discrimination rules would apply as soon as enacted.
The bill would amend Executive Law section 296 by adding a new subdivision 2-b, thereby expanding New York’s existing lawful source of income discrimination protections. It would limit the ability of housing providers to use minimum-income standards against applicants whose rent is supported by a qualifying voucher, subsidy, or public assistance arrangement, and would create a clearer statutory basis for complaints and enforcement under the state’s anti-discrimination framework. Affected parties include landlords, property managers, real estate brokers, and renters who rely on Section 8 or other public/nonprofit rental assistance.
The voting history suggests generally favorable sentiment toward the bill, with the measure advancing through committee and receiving strong majority support on the Senate floor. The final passage votes indicate broad, though not unanimous, backing for the policy goal of reducing barriers to housing for subsidy recipients and low-income renters. The absence of committee transcript debate limits insight into detailed arguments, but the recorded votes show the bill was viewed positively by most senators.
The main point of contention is likely the restriction on landlords’ ability to set minimum income requirements, which some lawmakers may view as limiting tenant-screening discretion or increasing risk for housing providers. Supporters, by contrast, appear to prioritize fair access to housing and preventing discrimination against people who rely on vouchers or public assistance. The recorded nays in committee and on the floor indicate some opposition remained, likely centered on concerns about private property management, underwriting standards, and the practical effects of enforcing income-based screening limits.