Johnstown, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 150 § 150-4
Discrimination in sale or rental of housing
Operative Text
Except as exempted by § 150-7 , it shall be unlawful within the City of Johnstown: 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 a particular race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.
Section 150-4 of Johnstown's Code of Ordinances prohibits a range of discriminatory practices in the sale and rental of housing within the city, subject to the exemptions listed in § 150-7. The rule bars refusals to sell or rent, unequal terms and conditions, discriminatory advertising, false statements about availability, and blockbusting—all when motivated by race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. These prohibitions apply across the full arc of a housing transaction, from initial negotiation through the provision of services and facilities.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 150-4, compliant housing providers in Johnstown treat all prospective buyers and renters equally regardless of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. This means applying consistent screening criteria, using neutral advertising language, accurately representing unit availability, and refraining from any representations designed to exploit neighborhood demographic changes for profit. Operators typically review their application processes, marketing materials, and tenant communications regularly to ensure alignment with the ordinance's requirements.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 150-4 gives residents of Johnstown the right to be free from discriminatory treatment at every stage of a housing transaction, including advertising, negotiation, terms of tenancy, and access to services. If a tenant or applicant believes a housing provider has violated this provision, general enforcement paths include filing a complaint with a local or state fair-housing agency, contacting a tenant-rights or fair-housing organization for guidance, or raising the violation as a defense in a relevant legal proceeding. Consulting a tenant-rights organization familiar with Johnstown's ordinance can help clarify which avenue fits a particular set of circumstances.
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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Rules and statutes that cite this regulation