Buffalo, NY Rental Property Rules: Tenant Anti-Harassment (2026)
Key Facts
- Anti-retaliation protection
- Applies to tenants who file complaints, testify, or assist in fair housing proceedings
- Covered conduct
- Coercion, intimidation, threats, or interference
- Complaint intake
- Fair Housing Officer; 180-day investigation period
- Fine: first retaliation finding
- Up to $2,500
- Fine: subsequent findings
- Up to $5,000 per violation
Summary
Buffalo's Fair Housing Ordinance prohibits landlords or others from retaliating against or harassing tenants who file housing discrimination complaints, testify in proceedings, or exercise their fair housing rights.
§ 154-17(G). It shall be unlawful discriminatory practice to... [g]To incite, compel or coerce the doing of any acts forbidden by this article, or to retaliate or discriminate against any person or entity because that person or entity has filed a complaint or testified or assisted in any proceeding commenced under this article. § 154-19(E). If upon the filing of any complaint with the Fair Housing Officer, any person takes any action to coerce, intimidate, threaten, or interfere with any person who, in the exercise or enjoyment of, or on account of having exercised or enjoyed, or on account of having aided or encouraged any other person in the exercise or enjoyment of their rights, reported a violation of any right granted or protected by this article, such person shall be charged with retaliation under § 154-17.
Full Breakdown
Buffalo City Code § 154-17(G) makes it an unlawful discriminatory practice to incite, compel, or coerce any act forbidden by the ordinance, or to retaliate or discriminate against anyone who has filed a complaint, testified, or assisted in any fair housing proceeding. Under § 154-19(E), if any person takes action to coerce, intimidate, threaten, or interfere with someone who has exercised or assisted in exercising their fair housing rights, that person is charged with retaliation under § 154-17. Complaints are investigated by the Fair Housing Officer within 180 days.
Violations & Fines
Retaliation is charged as a violation of § 154-17, subject to civil penalties up to $2,500 for a first violation and $5,000 for each subsequent violation; license or permit revocation and civil action for injunctive relief and damages are also available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a landlord evict me for filing a fair housing complaint?
What counts as harassment under the ordinance?
How do I report retaliation by my landlord?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Buffalo
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