N.Y.C. Admin. Code tit. 8, ch. 1 § 8-128
Institution of actions or proceedings (New York City Human Rights Law)
Operative Text
Where any of the provisions of this chapter authorize an application to be made, or an action or proceeding to be commenced on behalf of the commission in a court, such application may be made or such action or proceeding may be instituted only by the corporation counsel, such attorneys employed by the commission as are designated by the corporation counsel or other persons designated by the corporation counsel. 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. § 8-128, when the New York City Commission on Human Rights is authorized to seek court relief, only the Corporation Counsel—or attorneys and other individuals specifically designated by the Corporation Counsel—may file or pursue that court action on the Commission's behalf. This provision establishes a clear chain of legal authority, ensuring that litigation initiated by the Commission flows through the city's official legal office. It does not affect the Commission's ability to investigate or hold administrative proceedings; it governs only the step of going to court.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to the New York City Human Rights Law should understand that under N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 8-101 et seq. § 8-128, any court action brought on behalf of the Commission will be handled by the Corporation Counsel or a designated representative—not by Commission staff acting independently. Compliant operators generally maintain records of their fair-housing and anti-discrimination practices so they are prepared if the Corporation Counsel's office initiates formal court proceedings. Knowing which office holds litigation authority can help operators direct communications and legal responses appropriately.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
For tenants who have filed a complaint with the New York City Commission on Human Rights, N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 8-101 et seq. § 8-128 clarifies that if the Commission decides to pursue a court action on your behalf, that action must be brought by the Corporation Counsel or a designated attorney—not by Commission staff alone. This means the city's official legal office plays a central role in any court-based enforcement of your rights under the Human Rights Law. Tenants seeking to understand their options may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider to learn how this procedural rule fits into the broader complaint and enforcement process.
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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