Landlord Discriminated Based on Sexual Orientation

September 8, 2012

LVT Number: #24326

Tenant complained to the state Division of Human Rights (DHR) of housing discrimination based on sexual orientation. The DHR ruled for tenant, awarded damages and fines, and then sued landlord to enforce its judgment. The court ruled for the DHR. State law prohibits landlords from refusing to rent an apartment or otherwise withhold services from a tenant based on sexual orientation. The court upheld the DHR's award of damages in the amount of $100,000 in compensatory damages, $10,000 in punitive damages, and civil fines and penalties of $25,000.

Tenant complained to the state Division of Human Rights (DHR) of housing discrimination based on sexual orientation. The DHR ruled for tenant, awarded damages and fines, and then sued landlord to enforce its judgment. The court ruled for the DHR. State law prohibits landlords from refusing to rent an apartment or otherwise withhold services from a tenant based on sexual orientation. The court upheld the DHR's award of damages in the amount of $100,000 in compensatory damages, $10,000 in punitive damages, and civil fines and penalties of $25,000.

New York State Division of Human Rights v. Stennett: NYLJ, 8/3/12, p. 26, col. 1 (App. Div. 2 Dept.; Angiolillo, JP, Dickerson, Leventhal, Chambers, JJ)

Topics

More like this