ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Right now financial penalties are enforced through New York State, but proposed Albany Common Council legislation would fine landlords guilty of housing discrimination anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000.
NEWS10’s Bianca Caputo went to the City of Albany’s Fair Housing Office to speak with Amanda Ahrens, who is the City of Albany’s only fair housing officer. She investigates complaints of housing discrimination and provides education to tenants and landlords about their rights.
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“It’s bigger than people realize because it’s always hard to identify,” said Ahrens.
When Ahren’s receives complaints, she determines a equitable outcome through a conciliation process. However she can’t currently enforce fines at the local level to hold landlords who engage in housing discrimination accountable.
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“There is no enforcement or tools to provide any kind of relief past that or penalties or fines at this point,” said Ahrens…