New Legislation Marks a New Era of Housing Equity for New Yorkers with Criminal Justice Involvement

The Fortune Society, a leading non-profit organization that supports successful reentry from incarceration, celebrates the upcoming January 1, 2025, effective date of the Fair Chance for Housing Act, landmark legislation that prohibits housing discrimination against New Yorkers with previous convictions and ensures that families who have been impacted by the criminal legal system have a fair shot at housing.

Passed by the New York City Council in December 2023, the law ensures individuals with prior convictions are no longer denied housing opportunities solely based on their records. This measure is poised to transform countless lives, enabling justice-impacted individuals and their families to access stable housing—a cornerstone for successful reentry and a safer, more equitable New York City.

“This is a historic moment for New York City,” said Stanley Richards, President and CEO of The Fortune Society. “The Fair Chance for Housing Act breaks down entrenched barriers that have long excluded individuals with conviction histories from stable housing. Housing is a human right and a critical foundation for successful reentry, economic stability, and family unity. This law will give individuals the chance to rebuild their lives, contribute to their communities, and end cycles of poverty and disadvantage that disproportionately impact marginalized communities.”

He added, “At The Fortune Society, we have seen firsthand how stable housing can transform lives and create a ripple effect of positive outcomes, including enhanced public safety and stronger families. We commend our fellow members of the Fair Chance for Housing Coalition, Council Member Keith Powers for championing this legislation and thank our elected officials for making this vision a reality.”

The Fair Chance for Housing Act is a groundbreaking measure that:

• Prohibits landlords, brokers, and other housing providers in the rental or sale of most properties from inquiring about or denying housing based on an applicant’s criminal history until after they have been otherwise qualified for tenancy; limits the convictions that can be reviewed; requires acceptance and consideration of any information provided by the applicant; and for those that may be reviewed, still requires an individualized assessment.
• Advances racial equity by addressing the disproportionate impact of housing discrimination on communities of color.
• Breaks the cycle of poverty by providing a stable foundation for individuals to secure employment, maintain family connections, and contribute to society.

For decades, New Yorkers with prior criminal justice involvement records have faced insurmountable barriers to securing housing, perpetuating cycles of poverty, recidivism, and instability. This legislation recognizes housing as a fundamental right and addresses the systemic inequities in the housing market. You can learn more about the Fair Chance for Housing Act here.