FIRST ON 13: AG: Capital Region rental company had blocked low-income people from leasing units
The Attorney General’s Office said it has stopped two brothers and their spouses who own three rental buildings in the Capital Region from illegally denying low-income residents from renting units.
Attorney General Letitia James announced that Greg and John Karian, who own or manage 24 rental units in Glenmont, Albany and Troy, had violated human rights law by refusing to rent to people with Section 8 housing vouchers.
The investigation began last September, after the Karians had posted online rental listings stating that they do not accept Section 8 vouchers in violation of the law, according to a news release.
The attorney general’s office also said the Karians had charged fees of $100 on late rent payments.
As part of a settlement, the Karians must set aside at least three units to applicants using housing vouchers. They also must renew the leases of these tenants for at least one year, as long as they wish to stay in the units.
The Karians and staff must attend anti-discrimination training and distribute policies to everyone involved in the rental process. They also must publicly state they accept Section 8 and other subsidies by placing an “Equal Housing Opportunity” sign at each of their properties,
Late fees must be capped at 5% of the monthly rent, or $50, whichever is lower.
The Karians also must pay $3,000 in penalties and another $6,000 if they fail to comply with the terms of the agreement, the AG said.
“Landlords who discriminate against low-income New Yorkers and deny them housing just because they’re paying with Section 8 vouchers are exacerbating the housing crisis,” James said in a statement. “Housing is a basic human right, and the Karians denied the most vulnerable renters access to the affordable housing they deserve.”
The Karians told 13Investigates in a phone call that they are following the terms of the settlement agreement.
If you believe this type of discrimination is happening in your neighborhood or suspect discrimination, you can file a complaint on the attorney general’s website. You can also call 1-800-771-7755.