Suffolk County, NY Rental Property Rules: Source-of-Income Discrimination (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Suffolk County Code § 528-9
- Protected basis
- lawful source of income (incl. Section 8)
- Max civil fine
- $50,000 ($100,000 if willful/malicious)
- Enforcement agency
- Suffolk County Human Rights Commission
- Scope
- county-wide, all housing and commercial rentals
Summary
Suffolk County law makes it illegal for landlords, sellers, and agents to refuse housing, land, or commercial space based on a renter's lawful source of income, including Section 8 vouchers.
It shall be an unlawful discriminatory practice: To refuse to sell, rent, lease or otherwise deny to or withhold from any individual or group of individuals any housing accommodation, constructed or to be constructed, land or commercial space, or an interest therein... to any individual or group of individuals, because of the group identity, veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence or lawful source of income of such individual or individuals...
Full Breakdown
Suffolk County Code § 528-9 makes it an unlawful discriminatory practice for a landlord, seller, broker, or agent to refuse to rent, lease, sell, or negotiate for housing, land, or commercial space because of an applicant's lawful source of income. The Code defines lawful source of income at § 528-6 to include Social Security and any federal, state, or local public assistance or housing assistance, including Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), so landlords county-wide cannot reject an application solely because rent will be paid with a voucher. The Suffolk County Human Rights Commission investigates complaints and can refer cases to the County Department of Law.
Violations & Fines
Violations can bring compensatory damages, civil fines up to $50,000 ($100,000 if willful or malicious), and punitive damages up to $10,000, all ordered by the Commission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this cover Section 8 vouchers in Suffolk County?
Who enforces this law?
Does this apply outside incorporated villages?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Suffolk County
New York rules heatmap·Compare Suffolk County to another location·View the New York rental property rules overview
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