Squadron/Bing Bill Prohibiting Housing Discrimination

Based on Tenant’s Source of Income Passes Senate

Legislation Will Make it Easier for New Yorkers with Disabilities to Find Housing

New York, NY—State Senator Daniel Squadron and Assembly Member Jonathan Bing announced that yesterday the Senate passed their bill S7613/A10689 prohibiting landlords from discriminating against people who rely on public rental subsidies.  Many landlords and realtors reject tenants solely because they rely on public assistance programs, such as Social Services Disability Insurance, Supplemental Security Income, and Section 8 and Advantage housing vouchers.  The bill, which passed the Assembly last month and is similar to a local law in New York City, makes such discriminatory practices illegal under New York State Human Rights Law.

Senator Squadron said, “Under the best of circumstances, it’s difficult for people with disabilities to find decent and accessible housing.  By preventing landlords from rejecting rental applications based on source of income, this bill protects vulnerable New Yorkers
from unfair discrimination and ensures that they have more and better housing options.  I thank my colleagues in the Senate and Assembly, particularly Assembly Member Bing, for passing this bill, and I urge Governor Paterson to sign this important legislation into law.”

Assembly Member Bing said, “I am proud to have authored this important legislation that protects disabled individuals from discrimination based on their source of income.  This bill will help alleviate one the obstacles that people with disabilities face when looking for
housing, and maintain New York State’s reputation for being a leader on disability issues.  I urge Governor Paterson to sign this bill into law.”