Starting on February 19, 2022, the maximum fine for real estate license law violations has been doubled from $1,000 to $2,000 by S945B. Brokers beware.
Further, 50% of these fines, for violating Article 12-A and 19 NYCRR 175, will be used to establish an Anti-Discrimination in Housing Fund (ADHF).
The ADHF shall be controlled by the NYS Attorney General and may be used for:
- Fair housing testing;
- Grants to duly applying county, city, town or village human rights commissions;
- Grants to duly applying county, city, town or village agencies specializing in the prevention of unlawful discrimination in housing; &
- Grants to duly applying not-for-profit agencies specializing in the prevention of unlawful discrimination in housing.
It looks like there is about to be a lot more housing discrimination litigation going on starting in 2022. Are landlords, sellers, brokers, and property managers ready?
