Mercer Times

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division on Civil Rights (DCR) have revealed findings of probable cause in ten cases of alleged housing discrimination in New Jersey. The cases involve landlords and real estate agents who are accused of violating the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination by refusing housing to individuals who wished to pay rent using government rental assistance.

In response to the enforcement actions, Attorney General Platkin emphasized, “No one should face discrimination when seeking a home. Access to safe, affordable housing is a basic right.” Sundeep Iyer, Director of the Division on Civil Rights, highlighted the prevalence of discrimination faced by individuals with government rental assistance, stating, “That discrimination is often happening in plain sight.”

The cases were brought to light by the Housing Rights Initiative (HRI), a non-profit watchdog group that conducts tests to uncover housing discrimination. In each of the ten cases, complaints were filed after testers employed by HRI were informed by landlords or real estate agents that the properties would not accept housing vouchers, providing direct evidence of discrimination.

The properties involved in the enforcement actions are located in Jersey City, Newark, Garfield, and Hillsdale. The Division on Civil Rights found probable cause to conclude that both property owners and real estate agencies violated the LAD by refusing individuals the opportunity to rent housing using government rental assistance.

The issuance of Findings of Probable Cause does not signify a final decision but indicates that DCR has gathered enough evidence to support a suspicion of LAD violation. The parties involved will have the chance to negotiate a voluntary resolution, and if unsuccessful, a Deputy Attorney General will proceed with prosecution.

The Division on Civil Rights in New Jersey is committed to combating discrimination and bias-based harassment in various areas, including employment, housing, and public accommodation. For more information or to file a complaint, individuals can visit the DCR's website.