Settlement Reached in Discrimination Case Against Landlord

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has expressed her approval of a recently reached settlement where a landlord was fined $55,000. This came after the landlord posted a notice urging tenants to report immigrants to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Reports indicate that a building superintendent attempted to intimidate potential witnesses during an immigration raid at a largely immigrant apartment complex located in Jamaica, Queens.

Back in 2017, the first complaint concerning the poster was submitted to the New York State Department of Human Rights, but the situation wasn’t resolved until February of this year.

The allegations against the building’s owner, management company, and associated parties included unlawful discrimination based on national origin. As part of the settlement, the defendants agreed not only to the fine but also to three years of oversight to ensure compliance with state laws.

Commissioner Dennis M. Miranda emphasized, “New York State is steadfast in its commitment to shield individuals from discrimination or harassment due to their national origin, citizenship, or immigration status.” He reiterated the unacceptability of housing providers discriminating against tenants based on origin, adding that efforts to combat all forms of hate and discrimination would continue.

According to an attorney who represented the management company in another case, the decision to settle was largely motivated by a desire to avoid legal expenses.

Hochul had also shared her thoughts on social media, stating, “Threatening to ’round up tenants’ or contacting ICE because of their country of origin is blatant discrimination and illegal in New York. Companies involved in this will be fined.”