Legal Question in Real Estate Law in New York
Racist statements by Prospective landlord
Hello,
Both my wife & me are of Asian-Indian origine. We are looking for an apartment in Long Island are through several real estate agents. One of the agents showed us an apartment we liked and we wanted to sign the lease papers. The next day we went to meet the landlady(She lives upstairs) to sign the lease papers and to give the deposit. The real estate agent was with us. When the landlady saw us, she was 'literally' unhappy. She made a few excuses that and delayed the lease signing. Next day the agent called the landlady and asked if we could come and sign the lease papers. The landlady told the agent the '' she(agent) has to let her(landlady) know what race of people she is bringing to look at the apartment'' . So my agent asked if she(landlady) is still willing to rent the apartment to us. The landlady replies '' what will she tell her neighbours if she rents the apartment to colored people''. The real estate agent didn't tape the conversation or else we had solid proof to take legal actions against the landlady. But is there anything else we can do in this matter.
Thanks.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Racist statements by Prospective landlord
Yes. A landlord who lives in a 2 fam may have the right to decide (discriminate) who lives downstairs BUT NOT if she uses a Realtor.You can file a complaint with HUD or file a complaint with a non-profit Fair Housing Org or you could hire an attorney and bring legal action on your own. If your Realtor continues to show this apartment, she/he is violating the law also and can be made a party to any action. As for "solid proof" by way of a tape recording? Not necesary, there are other ways. Your story does not surprise me as I have alot of experience in this area. If you would like me to send you a Fair Housing brochure, or to discuss further, feel free to contact me by e-mail or phone. You have a right to live wherever you can afford to live.
Debra Palazzo, Attorney [[email protected]]
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