In a definitive move against discriminatory housing practices, New York Attorney General Letitia James has brought the hammer down on two Capital Region landlords for illegal discrimination against low-income renters. Greg and John Karian, alongside their spouses, have been found in violation of New York's human rights laws by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG). According to the OAG, the Karians refused to rent to individuals with housing vouchers, specifically Section 8, and were also charging excessive late fees, practices that directly contravene state law.
The investigation, launched in September 2024 after online listings indicated a clear bias against Section 8 voucher holders, uncovered that the Karians, managing twenty-four rental units, did not shy away from publishing advertisements stating their non-acceptance of such housing vouchers. This subsequent action taken by Attorney General James will ensure that at least three units will be rented out to voucher-reliant tenants within the next year, coupled with an obligation to renew their leases for an additional year, as part of a settlement reached with the OAG. Quoted in the official press release, James stated, “Housing is a basic human right, and the Karians denied the most vulnerable renters access to the affordable housing they deserve. My office will always take action to protect New Yorkers from discrimination and unfair housing practices and hold all those who violate the law accountable.”
The settlement outlines several corrective measures for the Karian properties, requiring the landlords and their customer-facing staff to undergo anti-discrimination training. Furthermore, they are mandated to adopt and disseminate an anti-discrimination policy and visibly promote their compliance with fair housing laws through "Equal Housing Opportunity" signage and advertising. Exorbitant late fees are to be replaced with charges not exceeding five percent of the monthly rent or $50, whichever is lesser, and limited to one fee per month. The Karians also face a $3,000 penalty, with an additional $6,000 hanging over their heads, should they fail to adhere to the agreement's terms.
Lawmakers from the Capital Region have expressed their support for the Attorney General's action, reinforcing the stance against housing discrimination. Assemblymember John T. McDonald III praised James for combatting such practices, asserting in the AG's release, “Everyone deserves equal access to safe, stable housing, regardless of how they pay their rent. Discriminating against tenants who use housing vouchers is not only unlawful, but it perpetuates cycles of instability in our communities. This settlement is a reminder that we must continue working together to ensure that housing remains a right, not a privilege.”
Attorney General James has a track record of confronting housing injustices. Earlier actions included doling out nearly $1 million in grants to back fair housing initiatives and enforcing a substantial fine against a New York City management company for similar violations. New Yorkers who believe they may be victims of income-based discrimination in housing matters are encouraged to come forward and file complaints with the state.
