By Forum Staff
The Fortune Society, the non-profit group that supports successful reentry from incarceration, had another reason to celebrate New Year’s Day.
That’s because Jan. 1, 2025 is effective date of the Fair Chance for Housing Act, 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 City Council in December 2023, the law ensures individuals with prior convictions are no longer denied housing opportunities solely based on their records. 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.
In New York City, nearly 750,000 people have a conviction record — that’s almost 11 percent of the adult population. Eighty percent of these New Yorkers are Black and brown, so fighting housing discrimination based on convictions is a matter of racial justice and equity. But housing discrimination impacts more than just individuals with convictions – it impacts families, according to TFS. Seventy-nine percent of formerly incarcerated people and their families reported being denied housing due to a criminal conviction in a survey spanning 14 states, including New York. The collateral consequences of a conviction record undermines mobility for families across generations, according to TFS.
The Fair Chance for Housing Act:
- 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.
“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.”
Richards 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.”
