Blind Section 8 Tenant Can Sue NYCHA for Discrimination

LVT Number: #24245

Section 8 tenant sued NYCHA for discrimination. When tenant initially applied for a Section 8 rent subsidy in 1995, he informed NYCHA that he was blind. But NYCHA never sent him a Section 8 voucher, forms, or other information in a format other than written documents. In 2010, tenant learned that his Section 8 subsidy was terminated on Dec. 31, 2009. In 2011, NYCHA restored tenant to the Section 8 program and issued an apartment transfer voucher. But NYCHA continued to communicate with tenant only in writing. The court denied NYCHA's request to dismiss the case.

Section 8 tenant sued NYCHA for discrimination. When tenant initially applied for a Section 8 rent subsidy in 1995, he informed NYCHA that he was blind. But NYCHA never sent him a Section 8 voucher, forms, or other information in a format other than written documents. In 2010, tenant learned that his Section 8 subsidy was terminated on Dec. 31, 2009. In 2011, NYCHA restored tenant to the Section 8 program and issued an apartment transfer voucher. But NYCHA continued to communicate with tenant only in writing. The court denied NYCHA's request to dismiss the case. Tenant had standing to claim that NYCHA violated federal and city anti-discrimination laws. The fact that NYCHA reinstated tenant to the Section 8 program, promised to provide documents in audio CD format, and help him complete annual recertification documents didn't moot tenant's claim.

Williams v. Rhea: Index No. 10-CV-5440, NYLJ No. 1202564206882 (EDNY; 7/17/12; Block, J)