New York · Tenant screening

What can a landlord check about me in New York?

Most things, but not where your income comes from.

Why, and the exact law

Social Security and help like Section 8 vouchers can't be used against you.

From N.Y. Exec. Law § 296(5), read Oct 6, 2026.
Show the law

“New York State landlords are prohibited from discriminating against tenants based on lawful source of income, which includes income from social security or any form of federal, state, or local public assistance including Section 8 vouchers …”

N.Y. Exec. Law § 296(5) · ag.ny.gov

Applying? See all the limits

Who can help

  1. New York State Office of Rent Administration (HCR)New York State Office of Rent Administration (HCR)
  2. Get free legal helpIf your landlord won't fix it.LawHelpNY
Every rule here, word for word (2)

This page covers state law only. Cities with their own rules have their own pages.

New York lawIn force

Source-of-income discrimination ban

What can a landlord check about me?

Most things, but not where your income comes from.

Social Security and help like Section 8 vouchers can't be used against you.

The law, word for word

“New York State landlords are prohibited from discriminating against tenants based on lawful source of income, which includes income from social security or any form of federal, state, or local public assistance including Section 8 vouchers …”

N.Y. Exec. Law § 296(5) · ag.ny.gov · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026

New York lawIn force

Tenant blacklist ban (past landlord-tenant disputes)

What can a landlord check about me?

Most things, but not past court cases with landlords.

A landlord can't turn you down because you had a legal conflict with a landlord before.

The law, word for word

“A landlord cannot deny a tenant applicant an apartment, rental home, or any other type of rental based on a past legal conflict with a landlord …”

N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 227-f · ag.ny.gov · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026

More about New York

Rental law by cityWhat's changing in New York

Information about the law, not legal advice.