Richmond, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 116 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 116-3
Discrimination in the sale or rental of housing
Operative Text
Except as exempted by § 116-6 , it shall be unlawful within the Town of Richmond to: A. Refuse to sell or rent, after the making of a bona fide offer, or 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. 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. 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. 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, 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.
Richmond, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 116 § 116-3 prohibits a broad range of discriminatory conduct in the sale and rental of housing within the Town of Richmond. 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, discriminatory advertising, and blockbusting—the practice of profiting by steering owners to sell based on fears about neighborhood demographic change. Exemptions described in § 116-6 may apply in certain circumstances.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Richmond, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 116 § 116-3, compliant property owners and managers apply consistent, non-discriminatory criteria when evaluating offers, setting lease terms, and communicating about available units. Advertising and written communications are reviewed to ensure they contain no language that signals a preference or limitation based on any of the protected characteristics listed in the ordinance. Staff and agents involved in leasing or sales are generally trained to avoid representations—whether about a unit's availability or about neighborhood demographics—that could constitute a violation of § 116-3.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Richmond, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 116 § 116-3 establishes that residents and prospective residents have the right to be free from discriminatory treatment in the sale or rental of housing based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, or familial status. If a person believes they have experienced conduct prohibited by § 116-3—such as being told a unit is unavailable when it is not, or receiving different rental terms than others—they may consider documenting the incident and exploring complaint options through local or state fair housing authorities. Tenant-rights organizations and fair housing advocacy groups can help individuals understand what remedies may be available under this provision.
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.
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