Housing & Real Estate Discrimination Frequently Asked Questions
Lieb at Law, P.C. litigates discrimination in housing and real estate across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and federal courts. Evidence (not emotion) wins these cases. Our attorneys help clients prove unequal treatment based on a protected class and recover damages.
Evidence Matters — Not Feelings
Courts and agencies decide discrimination cases on proof. You must connect unequal treatment directly to a protected class such as race, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin. Lieb at Law, P.C. helps clients gather, preserve, and present the evidence that meets this legal standard.
Protected classes in housing include:
- Race, color, national origin
- Religion or creed
- Sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity
- Familial status (having children or being pregnant)
- Disability or perceived disability
- Age, marital status, lawful source of income (Section 8, vouchers)
- Status as a domestic violence victim
- & many more based on local laws
What qualifies as discrimination?
Discrimination is classified as inferior treatment to an individual because of their protected status or class. These statuses/classes vary throughout the United States, but may include race, ethnic background, visible traits (hair texture, hairstyle, donning of religious garments or items), color, national origin, citizenship status, alienage status, immigration status, lawful source of income (subsidy recipient status), occupation, religion, creed, marital status, partnership status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (transgender status), domestic violence victim status, stalking victim status, sex offense victim status, familial status, pregnancy, presence of children, handicap (disability), age, military status, uniformed service, veteran status, first responder status, arrest record, and sealed conviction record.
Do I have a case if my landlord refused to rent to me because I’m pregnant or have children?
Yes. Familial status discrimination is illegal in New York and federally. Evidence such as ads saying “no children,” emails discouraging families, or comparisons to child-free applicants prove liability. Feelings alone cannot. Lieb at Law, P.C. litigates these cases for parents and expecting families.
Can I sue if I was denied housing because of my religion or religious practice?
Yes. Religion and creed are protected classes. Winning requires proof—emails questioning your faith, extra paperwork only for your group, or comparisons to other faiths. Lieb at Law, P.C. has secured relief for clients denied for religious reasons.
Do I have a claim if my landlord refused to install a ramp or ignored my wheelchair needs?
Yes. Disability law requires reasonable accommodations. Evidence must show a written request, a refusal or delay, and that the modification was necessary. Lieb at Law, P.C. litigates ramp and accessibility cases through state and federal courts.
Can I sue if my service or emotional support animal was denied or I was retaliated against for requesting one?
Yes. Landlords must allow service and emotional support animals when supported by medical documentation. Lieb at Law, P.C. uses letters, emails, and timelines to prove that a denial or retaliation violated the Fair Housing Act.
What if my landlord offered to fix broken appliances only if I went on a date?
That is quid pro quo sexual harassment. Winning requires texts, calls, or maintenance records linking the sexual request to repairs or rent. Lieb at Law, P.C. prosecutes these claims for victims of coercion and abuse of power.
Can I sue if my landlord touched me or entered my apartment without permission?
Yes. Unwanted touching or unauthorized entry can constitute sexual assault and harassment in housing. Evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and digital messages proves liability.
Can I be evicted or harassed for reporting discrimination?
No. Retaliation is a separate violation. To win, you must prove the complaint came first and the retaliation soon after—through emails, texts, or timing of eviction notices. Lieb at Law, P.C. files retaliation claims under state and federal law.
Can I sue if I was denied housing because of my sexual orientation or gender identity?
Yes. LGBTQ+ discrimination is prohibited by the Fair Housing Act and New York Human Rights Law. Evidence includes comments about appearance, emails showing bias, and comparisons to heterosexual applicants. Lieb at Law, P.C. handles these cases through court and agency filings.
What evidence do I need to prove housing discrimination?
- Texts, emails, or voicemails showing bias or coercion
- Written requests for accommodation and landlord responses
- Comparative records showing others treated better
- Witness statements and police/agency reports
Lieb at Law, P.C. turns these facts into legal proof that meets court standards.
What happens if I win my housing discrimination case?
As the victim, you can recover compensatory damages, punitive damages, emotional distress damages, and your attorneys’ fees. The perpetrator can lose their license (if applicable), be required to take trainings, be made to pay fines, and be ordered to stop their offensive behavior. Working with a top discrimination attorney affords you the best possible chance at a successful outcome to your case.
Are handicapped individuals entitled to housing accommodations?
Yes. If you are handicapped or disabled, you are entitled to receive reasonable accommodations and reasonable modifications to allow you to equally use and enjoy the property. Your actual diagnosis does not need to be revealed and can remain confidential if you seek an accommodation or modification. In addition, the cost of the accommodation cannot be charged to you. In places like New York City, the cost of modifications cannot be charged to you either.
Where You Can File a Housing Discrimination Case
Lieb at Law, P.C. represents clients before these agencies and in court:
- HUD (Federal): File within 1 year under the Fair Housing Act.
- New York State Division of Human Rights (NYSDHR): 3 year deadline.
- New York City Commission on Human Rights (NYCHR): 3 year deadline.
- New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (NJDCR): 180 days.
- Connecticut Commission on Human Rights & Opportunities (CHRO): 300 days.
- Federal Court: 2 years (excluding agency review time).
Our firm handles cases from administrative filing through trial, ensuring evidence is preserved and procedures followed to protect your claim.
Why Choose Lieb at Law, P.C.
Lieb at Law, P.C. is not just a litigation firm, it’s part of a broader education and advocacy network that advances fair housing rights across the nation.
- Lieb School, our sister company, is a nationally licensed real estate school that trains real estate professionals on fair housing laws and ethical compliance.
- Our attorneys teach continuing legal education (CLE) programs for lawyers nationwide on protected classes, discrimination law, and fair housing enforcement.
- Attorney Andrew Lieb is the Managing Partner of Lieb at Law, P.C., holds a Master’s in Public Health, has taught Human Sexuality and Public Health at the college level, and serves as a national legal analyst and commentator, appearing in the media to explain evolving housing and discrimination regulations.
When you retain Lieb at Law, P.C., you’re hiring a firm that doesn’t just litigate discrimination, we help define how it’s taught, interpreted, and enforced. If you believe you’ve been the victim of housing discrimination, our attorneys are ready to review your evidence and take action.
Explore Other Discrimination FAQ Pages
Lieb at Law, P.C. protects civil rights in the workplace, schools, housing, and beyond. Learn your rights and see how our attorneys litigate each type of discrimination case across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.