Governor Kathy Hochul announced on April 8 significant progress in New York State’s efforts to address housing discrimination, reporting that the Division of Human Rights awarded nearly $1 million in financial compensation to individuals who filed complaints in 2025. The announcement comes as part of Fair Housing Month and marks the 58th anniversary of the federal Fair Housing Act.
The issue is important as it impacts access to safe and affordable homes for all residents. Preventing discrimination ensures equal opportunity and helps make communities more inclusive.
According to Governor Hochul, “Preventing housing discrimination and other unfair housing practices is crucial to both of those goals. Nobody should be blocked from finding a safe and affordable home because of discrimination or other unfair housing practices, and New York State will continue to stand up for fair housing and combat prejudice in all its forms.” She also directed landmarks across the state, including One World Trade Center and Niagara Falls, to be illuminated in blue on April 7 in recognition of Fair Housing Month.
Commissioner Denise M. Miranda of the Division of Human Rights said, “Every New Yorker deserves an equal chance to secure a safe and dignified home. At the Division of Human Rights, we are deeply committed to protecting current or potential tenants and homeowners from discrimination…and holding discriminators accountable.” RuthAnne Visnauskas, Commissioner at New York State Homes and Community Renewal, said, “Housing should never be limited by discrimination, but rather characterized by opportunity, choice and equality. Our Office of Fair and Equitable Housing works to ensure that every New Yorker has equal access…”
Since Governor Hochul took office in 2021, annual case resolutions by the agency’s Housing Investigations Unit have more than tripled while financial compensation for victims increased fivefold—from $172,214 in 2021 to $939,557 last year. Examples provided include settlements involving rental subsidy acceptance policies; damages paid due to racial steering; fines for national origin-based signage; policy changes after failure to accommodate tenants with disabilities; among others.
The state will host a fair housing conference titled “Opening Doors & Unlocking Opportunities” at Fordham University on April 28 as part of ongoing education efforts.
Governor Hochul has enacted new legislation prohibiting appraisal discrimination, increasing penalties for unlawful acts by providers or agents, expanding training requirements for real estate professionals—partly funded through her $25 billion comprehensive Housing Plan aimed at creating or preserving over 100,000 affordable homes statewide.
