Searching for affordable housing in New York City is daunting. And even though housing vouchers are meant to help people pay rent, security deposits, and moving fees, it’s even more difficult for voucher holders to find housing. Without any guidance on how to use their vouchers or what their rights are, it’s easy for people to be discriminated against by landlords and brokers and voucher holders often feel frustrated by the lack of options in the housing process.
Landlords and brokers cannot reject anyone for using a voucher. If they do, that’s considered source of income discrimination and it’s illegal! That’s why Neighbors Together and Unlock NYC collaborated with CUP and designer Gica Tam to create Record It. Report It!, a guide that explains how to identify source of income discrimination and how to report it. It also highlights helpful tips when searching for an apartment and the power of reporting as a tool to improve housing for all New Yorkers.
Neighbors Together and Unlock NYC are sharing the guide with their network of member leaders and community partners organizing to improve the voucher system. They’ll also use this tool in various know-your-rights trainings on source of income discrimination and housing search workshops.