Cohoes, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 148 § 148-6
Discrimination in the sale or rental of housing
Operative Text
Except as exempted by § 148-9 , it shall be unlawful within the City of Cohoes: A. To refuse to sell or rent, after the making of a bona fide offer, or to refuse to negotiate for the sale or rental of or otherwise make unavailable or deny a dwelling to any person because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin. B. To discriminate against any person in the terms, conditions or privileges of sale or rental of a dwelling or in the provision of services or facilities in connection therewith because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin. C. To make, print or publish or cause to be made, printed or published any notice, statement or advertisement with respect to the sale or rental of a dwelling that indicates any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. D. To represent to any person because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin that any dwelling is not available for inspection, sale or rental when such dwelling is in fact so available. E. For profit, to induce or attempt to induce any person to sell or rent any dwelling by representations regarding the entry or prospective entry into the neighborhood of a person or persons of particular race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.
Section 148-6 of the Cohoes Code of Ordinances prohibits a range of discriminatory practices in the sale and rental of housing within the city. Covered conduct includes refusing to sell or rent, applying unequal terms or conditions, publishing discriminatory advertisements, misrepresenting a unit's availability, and engaging in blockbusting — all when motivated by race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. Certain exemptions exist under § 148-9, but the general rule is that protected characteristics may not factor into housing transactions.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 148-6, compliant housing operators in Cohoes apply consistent criteria when evaluating offers, setting lease terms, and communicating unit availability regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. Listings, advertisements, and statements made by staff or agents are reviewed to ensure they contain no language signaling a preference or limitation based on any protected characteristic. Operators also avoid any solicitation practice — sometimes called blockbusting — that attempts to leverage neighborhood demographic changes to pressure owners into selling or renting.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 148-6 gives residents of Cohoes the right to be free from discriminatory refusals, unequal lease terms, misleading availability claims, and biased advertising based on protected characteristics such as race, sex, handicap, or familial status. If a tenant or prospective tenant believes this provision has been violated, general enforcement paths include filing a complaint with a local or state civil rights body, contacting the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or reaching out to a tenant-rights organization for guidance. Reviewing whether the § 148-9 exemptions apply to a particular housing situation is a common early step in understanding the scope of these protections.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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