A new survey has revealed troubling levels of housing discrimination in New York City, particularly targeting those involved in rental assistance programs. CBS News New York’s investigative reporter Tim McNicholas, who has been covering housing issues for years, reports that renters are increasingly facing bogus fees, exorbitant deposits, and outright scams. These practices are making it even more difficult for vulnerable New Yorkers to secure housing in an already competitive market.
The Personal Struggle of Nycole-Lanyse Jacques
One such renter, Nycole-Lanyse Jacques, shared her story with McNicholas over Zoom from just outside Chicago. Jacques, who is part of the CityFHEPS (Family Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement) rental assistance program, has been searching for housing in New York City for months without success. Despite her efforts, she was asked by a broker to Venmo or Zelle a “good faith deposit” of $1,000, along with an additional $100 in application fees. Jacques described the experience as “very disheartening and frustrating.”
Illegal Practices: A Widespread Issue
According to McNicholas, these demands for large deposits and fees are not just unethical – they may also be illegal. The city’s Human Rights Commission has made it clear that charging voucher holders upfront fees or deposits of more than $20 could be considered evidence of discrimination under the NYC Human Rights Law. Despite these regulations, Ashley Eberhart of Unlock NYC, a nonprofit focused on housing rights, reports that over 60 allegations of such practices have been made since 2021.
More Than Just Fees: Broader Tactics of Discrimination
The survey conducted by Unlock NYC did not only reveal issues with fees and deposits. It also uncovered more than 20 different tactics used by brokers and landlords to discriminate against renters in assistance programs. One of the most common tactics is “ghosting,” where landlords or brokers stop responding once they learn the potential tenant is using a voucher. This leaves many renters in limbo, unable to secure housing despite doing everything right.
Undercover Investigations
In December 2023, McNicholas conducted an undercover investigation that further exposed this widespread discrimination. During a property showing in Brooklyn, a realtor openly admitted that vouchers would not be accepted, which is illegal under current laws. When asked about accepting vouchers, the agent responded, “Not right now, unfortunately,” based on the broker’s instructions. This encounter is representative of the broader issue where voucher holders are often dismissed or ignored.
Real Estate Agencies’ Response
In the case of Jacques, the real estate agency involved claimed that demanding large deposits from voucher holders goes against their policy. However, they shifted the blame to a co-broker, who they said failed to inform them that Jacques was using a voucher. When CBS News New York Investigates reached out to the co-broker for comment, there was no response, highlighting the lack of accountability within the industry.
The Need for Stronger Enforcement
The findings from this survey and the experiences of renters like Jacques suggest that housing discrimination in New York City is a systemic issue. Despite laws designed to protect vulnerable renters, the tactics used by some landlords and brokers indicate that these protections are not always enforced. This raises important questions about the effectiveness of current policies and the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms.
The Role of Nonprofits
Nonprofit organizations like Unlock NYC are crucial in the fight against housing discrimination. By documenting these instances and advocating for renters’ rights, they bring much-needed attention to these issues. However, the persistence of discriminatory practices suggests that even with these efforts, much more needs to be done to ensure fair treatment for all renters in New York City.
Addressing the Housing Crisis
This survey serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by renters in New York City, particularly those relying on rental assistance programs. As highlighted by McNicholas and Eberhart, these discriminatory practices not only violate the law but also exacerbate the city’s housing crisis. It is critical that policymakers, advocacy groups, and the public work together to address these issues and ensure that all New Yorkers have access to fair and equitable housing.
A Call for Action and Awareness
The extent of housing discrimination revealed by this survey calls for immediate action. As McNicholas’ investigation shows, renters in New York City, especially those using assistance programs, are facing significant barriers. It is vital that stronger measures are put in place to protect these individuals from exploitation and ensure that the housing market operates fairly for everyone.
Protecting Vulnerable Renters
What are your thoughts? How can the city of New York improve enforcement of housing discrimination laws to better protect vulnerable renters? What role should real estate agencies play in ensuring their brokers adhere to anti-discrimination laws? How effective are current rental assistance programs in providing equitable access to housing, and what improvements could be made?
See the full video on CBS New York’s YouTube channel for more details here.
