NYS Efforts to Fight Discrimination in Housing
To our valued clients:
We wanted to share with you the advisory from the NYS Department of State Division of Licensing Services on Discriminatory Practices by Real Estate Brokers and Sales People:
“Under Article 12-A of the NYS Real Property Law, real estate brokers and salespeople are currently prohibited from engaging in “untrustworthy or incompetent” behavior, including discrimination. The Department of State regulations specify that discrimination is unlawful and clarifies that a finding of discrimination by a court or agency against a real estate licensee will constitute evidence of untrustworthiness in a Department of State disciplinary proceeding. In addition to any fines or penalties imposed by a court or other agency, the Department of State will seek to impose sanctions, including, but not limited to license revocation or suspension, fines and restitution against any licensee found to have engaged in discriminatory practices or conduct.”
In an effort to combat discrimination in real estate, the Department has promulgated two required forms designed to educate the public in combating housing discrimination; one which must be posted in real estate sales offices and the other which must be provided at open houses. Combating
The link to the form to be displayed in real estate broker offices and at open houses is below:
https://www.dos.ny.gov/licensing/docs/FairHousingNotice_new.pdf
The link to the form to be provided to attendees of open houses is below:
https://www.dos.ny.gov/licensing/docs/2156.pdf
Please be advised that Governor Cuomo has made zero-tolerance of housing discrimination a hallmark of his administration and has tasked the Division of Homes and Community Renewal with providing trained “testers” who will pose as individuals looking for housing in order to investigate compliance with the State’s anti-discrimination in housing laws. Compliance with the above cannot be stressed enough.
Stay well, enjoy the long weekend, and remember take a moment to raise a glass to those who died keeping this country safe.
Best,
The H&A P.C Team
