Nassau County, NY Rental Property Rules: Source-of-Income Discrimination (2026)
Key Facts
- Protected class
- source of income (lawful income)
- Max civil penalty
- $50,000 (up to $100,000 if willful)
- Enforcement
- Nassau County Commission on Human Rights
- Complaint deadline
- 1 year from violation
- Citation
- Administrative Code § 21-9.7
Summary
Nassau County's Open Housing Law bars landlords from refusing to rent, negotiate, or lease housing because a tenant's income comes from a housing voucher, disability benefits, or other lawful public assistance.
"Protected status" means race, creed, color, gender, disability, age, religion, source of income, veteran's status, ... or national origin. ... It shall be an unlawful discriminatory practice for the owner, lessee, sub-lessee, assignee, or managing agent of, 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
Full Breakdown
Nassau County's Human Rights Law (Administrative Code Title C-1, § 21-9.7) makes source of income a protected status covering any lawful income source, including Section 8 vouchers, Social Security, disability payments and other subsidy programs. Landlords, agents, and lenders may not refuse to rent, lease, or negotiate for housing, misrepresent availability, or impose different terms because of a tenant's or applicant's source of income. The county's Commission on Human Rights investigates complaints; complainants may also sue directly in state court.
Violations & Fines
Violations carry a civil penalty up to $50,000, rising to $100,000 for willful or malicious violations, plus up to $1,000/day for noncompliance with a Commission order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Nassau County protect Section 8 tenants from rental discrimination?
Where do I file a source-of-income discrimination complaint in Nassau County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Nassau County
New York rules heatmap·Compare Nassau County to another location·View the New York rental property rules overview
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