The City of Ithaca is committed to ensuring equal housing opportunities for all of its residents. Federal, state, and local laws protect tenants from discrimination in a wide range of situations. Protect yourself by knowing your rights. With your cooperation we can continue to make fair housing for all a reality in Ithaca.
- Discrimination Is Against the Law
- The New York State Real Property Law, sections 236 and 237prohibits discrimination against persons or families with children. A landlord or property manager cannot refuse to rent to you solely because you have a child or children, or ask you to move out solely because of pregnancy or a new child. This type of discrimination is considered a crime and is punishable by a fine. You may sue a landlord for damages or secure a court order requiring the landlord to rent to you if he/she violates these rules. In addition, your landlord may have to pay for your lawyer. This law does not apply to: Federally subsidized housing for senior citizens; One or two unit owner-occupied homes.
For further information or if you feel you have been discriminated against for any of the reasons cited or linked above, contact the Tompkins County Human Rights Commission. They assist persons who believe they have been, or are being, discriminated against because of their race, color, sex, creed, national origin, age, disability, marital status, arrest record, or conviction record. The commission has jurisdiction over employment, credit, housing, public accommodations, and education. The service is free to everyone.
Tompkins County Human Rights Commission
301 Harris B. Dates Drive
Tel: (607) 277-4080 Fax: (607) 274-5505
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (appointment necessary)
Copies of the complete City of Ithaca Housing Code are available for a small fee from the Ithaca Building Department. The code is applicable to one- and two-family dwellings, multiple dwellings, and mobile homes and mobile courts.
