Real estate professionals in New York might unknowingly operate in a manner that runs afoul of the nuanced requirements of the Fair Housing Act (FHA), the New York State Human Rights Law (SHRL) and the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL, and together with the FHA, and SHRL, the “Human Rights Laws”).

Gary Rosenberg, founding member, Rosenberg & Estis

A simple example is a “no dogs” or “no pets” reference on a listing for an apartment in New York City. Under the NYCHRL, this common practice “expresses a limitation, specification, or discrimination against individuals with service animals and emotional support animals.” See NYC Commission on Human Rights Legal Enforcement Guidance on Discrimination on the Basis of Disability, “Commission’s Guidance” NYCCHR_LegalGuide-DisabilityFinal.2.pdf, at p. 47.

Cori Rosen of Rosenberg & Estis