Cuomo: Brooklyn Landlords Discriminated Against Potential Tenants
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State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo filed lawsuits Tuesday against several landlords in Brooklyn that he says discriminated against applicants.
Cuomo says the owners and managers of apartment complexes on Ocean Parkway violated the Federal Fair Housing Act by turning away black applicants.
According to an undercover investigation, the landlords would tell the prospective renters apartments were unavailable or they had to fill out paperwork and make an appointment.
During the same time, white renters were allowed to view apartments immediately.
NY1 has reached out to management for comment.
Cuomo, who is running for governor, says to deny people access to housing is to deny their civil rights.
"In this state, anyone who discriminates against another person, not just immoral, not just wrong, it's illegal. And this state will enforce those laws, so don't even think about it," Cuomo said.
Officials reached a settlement with the owner and managers of one of the complexes.
Under the deal they will have to comply with all fair housing laws and pay a $40,000 fine.