There are reasons to like the Section 8 voucher program, and there are reasons not to. There is, however, a law that prohibits discriminating against renting to someone based on their lawful source of income. This includes, without limitation, Section 8 vouchers. (See the New York City Human Rights Law.)
While I don't have the legal citation in front of me, I believe it only applies to landlords whose buildings either contain six units or more, or landlords who own units in different buildings which, in the aggregate, exceed six units.
The Daily News reported today that several real estate firms were sued by the Attorney General for "apartment bias." The AG can only enforce a law that exists, and yeah, this one exists. Big time. And it has been on the books for years. So, owners and realtors: know the law.
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