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Bill

Bill

A 4432

Relates to rental discrimination based upon consumer credit history

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Brian Cunningham and 1 co-sponsor

NY bill restricts landlords from denying rentals or charging extra fees based on tenant credit history to reduce housing discrimination.

REFERRED TO GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS
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Bill Summary · A 4432

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 4432 would restrict landlords' ability to deny rental applications or impose additional fees based solely on a prospective tenant's consumer credit history. The bill aims to prevent discrimination in housing access by limiting the weight landlords can place on credit scores when making leasing decisions.

Why is this important

Housing discrimination based on credit history can perpetuate economic inequality, as individuals with poor credit—often stemming from medical debt, unemployment, or past financial hardship—face barriers to securing stable housing. This creates a cycle where people struggling financially are locked out of rental markets, potentially increasing homelessness and housing instability. The policy raises questions about balancing tenant protection with landlord concerns about payment reliability.

Potential points of contention

  • Landlord concerns: Property owners argue that credit history is a legitimate predictor of whether tenants will pay rent on time, and restricting this tool increases their financial risk and administrative burden
  • Alternative screening methods: Disputes may arise over what landlords can use instead (income verification, employment history, references), and whether these alternatives are equally effective or equally fair
  • Scope and enforcement: Ambiguity about what constitutes "discrimination based on credit history" versus legitimate use of credit information, and how violations would be investigated and penalized

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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