Bill > S02635

This bill introduces the "Vicarious Liability for Housing Discrimination Act of 2025," which expands legal accountability for housing discrimination by making property owners or managers automatically responsible for discriminatory actions taken by their agents or employees, even if they were not directly aware of or did not explicitly approve those actions. Specifically, the bill adds a new provision to the New York Executive Law that establishes vicarious liability in housing-related contexts, meaning that a property owner can be held legally responsible for discriminatory practices (such as refusing to rent or sell to someone based on protected characteristics like race, gender, or disability) committed by their agents or employees, regardless of whether the owner knew about or encouraged such actions. This legal approach is consistent with standard agency law principles and aims to provide stronger protections against housing discrimination by creating a clear incentive for property owners to prevent discriminatory practices by their representatives. The bill would take effect immediately upon passage.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S2635