A new law that protects housing rights for victims of domestic violence went into effect Tuesday.

The New York City Commission on Human Rights issued the new law that says victims of domestic violence, sex offenses or stalking cannot be denied housing, evicted from their apartment or treated differently by landlords or brokers.

The city says victims of domestic violence often face discrimination from landlords.

"The last thing a victim of domestic violence needs is to not to have a home," says Seth Hoy, of the Human Rights Commission. "They are entitled to safe and secure housing."