In a firm stance against discriminatory housing practices, New York Attorney General Letitia James has secured a settlement with Parkchester Preservation Management, LLC (Parkchester Management), a Bronx landlord accused of illegally blacklisting prospective tenants. This settlement emerges as part of AG James’ continued campaign to enforce housing rights and halt the misuse of housing court records in tenant selection.
The practice of tenant blacklisting was outlawed in 2019 but persists in shadows, threatening the prospect of fair housing access. Through an investigation, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) discovered that Parkchester Management was not only illegally obtaining housing court records of hopeful tenants but also utilizing these records to deny them housing—a clear violation of state law. “Every New Yorker deserves a fair chance at finding safe, affordable, and stable housing without being denied based on outdated or irrelevant information,” Attorney General James said in a press release.
Selective enforcement of laws is not on the agenda in New York. Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson praised AG James for her swift action against Parkchester Management, emphasizing the importance of accountability among landlords in the midst of a housing crisis. As part of the settlement, Parkchester Management has agreed to revise its tenant screening policies, offering those previously rejected a chance to re-apply, affirm compliance with tenant protection laws, and re-educate its staff on fair housing regulations…