N.Y.C. Admin. Code tit. 8, ch. 1 § 8-117
Rules of procedure (New York City Human Rights Law)
Operative Text
The commission shall adopt rules providing for hearing and pre-hearing procedure. These rules shall include rules providing that the commission, by its prosecutorial bureau, shall be a party to all complaints and that a complainant shall be a party if the complainant has intervened in the manner set forth in the rules of the commission. These rules shall also include rules governing discovery, motion practice and the issuance of subpoenas. Wherever necessary, the commission shall issue orders compelling discovery. In accordance with the commission's discovery rules, any party from whom discovery is sought may assert an objection to such discovery based upon a claim of privilege or other defense and the commission shall rule upon such objection. Editor's note: For related unconsolidated provisions, see Appendix A at L.L. 1991/039 .
Under N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 8-101 et seq. § 8-117, the New York City Commission on Human Rights is required to establish formal procedural rules governing how discrimination complaints are heard, including pre-hearing steps, discovery, motions, and subpoenas. The Commission's prosecutorial bureau is automatically a party to every complaint, while the original complainant may also participate as a party by intervening according to the Commission's rules. When discovery disputes arise, the Commission has authority to compel disclosure or rule on privilege objections raised by any party.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers who become respondents in a Commission proceeding are subject to the procedural framework established by N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 8-101 et seq. § 8-117, which governs discovery, motions, and subpoenas. Compliant operators generally cooperate with the Commission's discovery process while understanding that they may assert recognized privileges or other defenses to specific discovery requests. Familiarity with the Commission's published procedural rules helps operators understand the structure of any proceeding they may face.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 8-101 et seq. § 8-117 establishes that when a tenant files a discrimination complaint with the NYC Commission on Human Rights, the Commission's own prosecutorial bureau becomes a party to the case, meaning the Commission actively participates rather than acting solely as a neutral body. Tenants who wish to remain directly involved as a named party in the proceeding may do so by intervening in the manner the Commission's rules specify. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid providers can help individuals understand how these procedural rules—including discovery rights—apply to their complaint.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 1, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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