Niskayuna, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 140 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 140-3
Discrimination in sale or rental of housing
Operative Text
Except as exempted by § 140-6 , it shall be unlawful within the Town of Niskayuna: A. To refuse to sell or rent after the making of a bona fide offer, or to refuse to negotiate for the sale or rental of, or otherwise make unavailable or deny, a dwelling to any person because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, or familial status. B. To discriminate against any person in the terms, conditions or privileges of sale or rental of a dwelling, or in the provision of services or facilities in connection therewith, because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap or familial status. C. To make, print, or publish, or cause to be made, printed or published, any notice, statement, or advertisement with respect to the sale or rental of a dwelling that indicates any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap or familial status or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. D. To represent to any person because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, or familial status that any dwelling is not available for inspection, sale, or rental when such dwelling is in fact so available. E. For profit, to induce or attempt to induce any person to sell or rent any dwelling by representations regarding the entry or prospective entry into the neighborhood of a person or persons of a particular race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap or familial status.
Section 140-3 of Niskayuna's Code of Ordinances prohibits a broad range of discriminatory practices in the sale and rental of housing within the town. Covered protected characteristics include race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, and familial status. The rule bars not only outright refusals to sell or rent, but also discriminatory terms, misleading statements about availability, biased advertising, and profit-driven attempts to exploit neighborhood demographic changes—sometimes called 'blockbusting.'
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 140-3, compliant housing operators in Niskayuna apply consistent, non-discriminatory criteria when evaluating offers, setting lease terms, and communicating availability across all protected classes. Advertising and listing language is reviewed to ensure it contains no stated or implied preferences based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, or familial status. Operators also avoid any representations—whether to prospective buyers, sellers, or renters—that suggest neighborhood demographic shifts as a reason to transact.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 140-3 gives residents of Niskayuna the right to be free from discriminatory treatment at every stage of a housing transaction, from initial inquiry through the terms of a finalized agreement. If a landlord or seller appears to have violated this provision—for example, by misrepresenting availability or offering different terms based on a protected characteristic—affected individuals may have recourse through the town's enforcement process or through state and federal fair housing channels. Tenant-rights organizations and fair housing agencies can help explain what documentation may be relevant and what complaint options exist under § 140-3 and related law.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation