Mercer Times

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division on Civil Rights (DCR) have announced enforcement actions in 20 cases of alleged housing discrimination in New Jersey. These cases involve violations of the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD), specifically regarding the denial of housing based on a prospective tenant's source of lawful income, such as government rental assistance.

In 15 cases, DCR issued Findings of Probable Cause against 35 respondents, including property owners, managers, and real estate agents across New Jersey. These findings suggest that these entities denied individuals rental opportunities due to their receipt of government rental assistance.

The Housing Rights Initiative (HRI), a non-profit group focused on detecting housing discrimination, was instrumental in filing complaints for 12 of these cases. HRI used testers who disclosed their intent to use Section 8 vouchers to pay rent. Recorded communications provided direct evidence of discrimination when representatives rejected these testers.

In five additional matters involving claims brought by HRI, DCR finalized consent decrees with 14 property owners and real estate professionals. These agreements resulted in over $105,000 in relief for alleged LAD violations. Respondents agreed to payments, adopting fair housing policies, employee training on LAD requirements, and ongoing compliance monitoring by DCR.

"Every resident of our state deserves to have a safe, affordable place to live," said Attorney General Platkin. "We made a commitment to hold accountable anyone who discriminates against potential renters seeking a quality, safe place to live."

Sundeep Iyer, Director of the Division on Civil Rights stated: "Housing discrimination continues to harm far too many of our residents."

The Findings involved properties in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Monmouth, and Passaic counties and named six real estate brokerages: Opirhory Realtors, Howard Hanna Rand Realty, KP Edgestone Realty LLC, Property Advisers LLC d/b/a Better Home Realty, New and Modern Group LLC, and United Real Estate.

Several investigations revealed multiple prospective tenants were turned away due to their reliance on government rental assistance. For instance, at one Newark property three individuals were informed that Section 8 vouchers were not accepted.

In Elmwood Park and Jersey City cases highlighted by DCR investigations found discriminatory practices by brokers who made derogatory remarks about voucher holders or set unrealistic income requirements without considering voucher contributions.

The consent decrees involve properties in Newark and Jersey City with Keller Williams City Life Realty among others agreeing to make payments as part of resolution agreements.