Joseph Hof
May 4, 2025
Hof Law continues its record of thought leadership in civil and human rights advocacy.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New York, NY — May 4, 2025
In a formal complaint filed with the New York State Division of Human Rights, I have called attention to widespread, discriminatory hotel practices in New York City that unjustly deny lodging to individuals who do not have a credit or debit card, a government-issued photo ID, or an online reservation. These practices disproportionately exclude people in protected classes—immigrants, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, persons with disabilities (including psychiatric service dog handlers), disaster and domestic violence survivors, and those who rely on lawful, unbanked cash income.
As someone directly affected by these unjust policies, I was repeatedly denied lodging despite having thousands of dollars in cash and a legitimate need for accommodation. I have been forced to sleep on the streets, even alongside my service dog, while major hotel chains and smaller establishments alike prioritized rigid corporate practices over dignity, humanity, and equal access.
The complaint is not only about what happened to me—it is about ending a systemic problem that affects countless others every day. I am calling on the State of New York to investigate and to act.
These practices must stop. No one should be refused shelter simply because they don’t carry plastic or failed to make a reservation online, Joe said.
Contact: Joe Hof, press@hoflawllc.com, Tel: +1 (917) 740-3631