Governor Kathy Hochul marked Fair Housing Month with a sweeping announcement highlighting over $320,000 in financial awards to New Yorkers who faced housing discrimination, signaling what she described as “substantial progress” in the state’s ongoing efforts to protect residents from unfair housing practices.
The awards were granted by the New York State Division of Human Rights over the past year, resolving complaints that also led to new anti-discrimination policies, fair housing training, and improved accessibility measures by housing providers.
“Everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to live without having to worry about any prejudices,” Governor Hochul said. “New York continues to combat discrimination across all areas.”
State landmarks, including One World Trade Center and Niagara Falls, will be lit blue tonight to honor Fair Housing Month and the upcoming 57th anniversary of the federal Fair Housing Act.
Acting Commissioner Denise M. Miranda of the Division of Human Rights said the agency remains committed to defending residents. “I am proud of the work that The Division’s Housing Investigations Unit takes on to ensure no New Yorker is discriminated against while attempting to rent or buy a home,” she said.
Among the cases highlighted:
- A housing provider agreed to pay $7,000 and offer free brokerage services after allegedly discriminating against tenants using rental subsidies. They also adopted new anti-discrimination policies and completed fair housing training.
- A co-op residence paid $15,000 after a tenant alleged discrimination based on age and national origin. The building now posts fair housing rights information and has implemented anti-discrimination policies.
- A property management company was required to install a wheelchair ramp and adopt a reasonable accommodation policy following a complaint by a resident who uses a wheelchair.
This year alone, the Division has awarded $137,000 in compensation in housing discrimination cases. All cases are individually investigated and adjudicated by the agency.
To commemorate Fair Housing Month, the Division will host a daylong conference titled “We All Belong Here” on April 9 in the Bronx, featuring panel discussions and workshops as part of the agency’s 80th anniversary.
The Division also continues to investigate systemic discrimination through its Division Initiated Action Unit and urges New Yorkers to report any bias or harassment.
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