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Nassau County, NY Rental Property Rules: Section 8 Voucher Acceptance (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Scope
county-wide, all landlords
Protected
any lawful subsidy, incl. Section 8
Max penalty
$50,000 civil fine
Willful violation
up to $100,000 fine
Enforcer
Nassau Commission on Human Rights

Summary

Nassau County landlords cannot refuse to rent to a tenant because their rent is paid through Section 8 or another lawful subsidy program: source of income is a protected class county-wide under the Open Housing law.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Nassau County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

It shall be an unlawful discriminatory practice for the owner...or other person having the right to sell, rent or lease housing accommodations...to refuse to sell, rent or lease any housing accommodation to any person or group of persons...because of the actual or perceived protected status of such person or persons...or to otherwise deny or withhold any housing accommodation...because of the actual or perceived protected status of such person or persons

Source: Nassau County Office of Housing and Community DevelopmentView official code

Full Breakdown

The Nassau County Human Rights Law (Title C-1, Open Housing) makes it unlawful for any owner, lessee, or managing agent to refuse to rent, negotiate, or otherwise deny a housing accommodation because of a person's 'protected status,' which includes source of income. Source of income is defined to include federal, state, local, or non-profit assistance or subsidy programs: covering Housing Choice (Section 8) vouchers. The rule applies county-wide to every landlord in Nassau's towns, cities, and villages, not just to unincorporated land.

Violations & Fines

Complaints go to the Nassau County Commission on Human Rights or a court. A violation draws a civil penalty up to $50,000, rising to $100,000 if the discrimination was wanton or malicious, plus possible damages and attorney's fees. Aggrieved tenants may also sue directly within three years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Nassau County landlord reject a Section 8 applicant?
No. Refusing to rent, or refusing to even negotiate, because a tenant's income comes from a subsidy program like Section 8 is an unlawful discriminatory practice under the county's Open Housing law.
Does this apply inside villages like Garden City or Great Neck?
Yes. The Human Rights Law is a county-wide law that covers every housing accommodation in Nassau County's towns, cities, and villages, not just unincorporated land.
How does a tenant file a complaint?
File with the Nassau County Commission on Human Rights, or bring a civil suit in court within three years of the discriminatory act.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Nassau County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsSource-of-Income DiscriminationHeavy RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Bird ProtectionSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Store RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Breed RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions

All Nassau County rules

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