In a recent settlement with the New York State Division of Human Rights, Parsons 88 Realty LLC and its agents, including Zara Realty Holding Corp., agreed to pay a $55,000 fine and participate in anti-discrimination training. The settlement follows the posting of signage in the lobby of an apartment building in Jamaica, Queens, which encouraged tenants to report immigration-related and other suspicious activities to the Homeland Security Investigations Tip Line.
The complaint issued by the Division stated that the signage assumed tenants who immigrated to the United States lacked lawful residency, potentially contributing to an unwelcoming environment based on national origin, which violates the state's Human Rights Law. Denise Miranda, the state Division of Human Rights Commissioner, said, "It is unacceptable, unconscionable and illegal for housing providers to discriminate against their tenants simply because of where they are from," in a statement obtained by Gothamist. The complaint also alleged that the property owners "harassed and intimidated witnesses" cooperating with the division’s investigation.
The litigation dates back to 2018, with the settlement, signed on February 2, only recently being made public. While the defendants admitted no wrongdoing, their attorney Adam Leitman Bailey stated that the sign was not intended to scare tenants, suggesting that the settlement was a move to avoid the high costs of going to trial. "There's no racism and no intentions to evict anybody," Bailey told Gothamist. "The sign gives no incentive for someone to want to leave their apartment."
The signs in question have been removed from the property, alongside the imposition of a fine and mandatory training. The case also brought renewed attention to Zara Realty Holding Corp., which had previously been involved in legal actions related to alleged violations of rent stabilization laws, according to PIX11 News. Governor Kathy Hochul stated, "Threatening to 'round up tenants' or call ICE because of someone’s national origin is blatant discrimination. And in New York, it’s illegal. Any company engaging in it will be fined."
As part of ongoing efforts to address discrimination, New York officials continue to investigate and take action against bias or harassment based on a tenant's national origin or immigration status.
