(WNY News Now) – New York Attorney General Letitia James, in collaboration with the Housing Rights Initiative, secures an agreement with Platzner International Group (PIG), addressing housing discrimination against low-income New Yorkers.
NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James, alongside the Housing Rights Initiative (HRI), announced a significant agreement aimed at rectifying housing discrimination against low-income residents in Westchester County. The agreement involves real estate company and property manager, Platzner International Group (PIG), owned by Merrick Platzner and Harrin Platzner, who own over 200 residential units across Westchester County.
An investigation, initiated by the Attorney General’s Office (OAG) in November 2021, was prompted by undercover testing conducted by HRI. The investigation revealed that PIG explicitly refused to rent units to Section 8 voucher holders in certain buildings. PIG was also found to have asked illegal questions about prospective tenants’ sex and marital status on rental applications, violating both New York’s Human Rights Law and federal fair housing law.
Under the terms of the agreement, PIG will set aside 20 units in its portfolio for applicants using Section 8 vouchers or other housing subsidies. Additionally, PIG must waive broker fees for any prospective tenant using housing subsidies for the next five years and pay $10,000 to HRI and $95,000 to Westchester Residential Opportunities (WRO) in damages.
Attorney General Letitia James stressed the importance of treating all New Yorkers fairly in the housing market and commended the work of HRI and WRO in combating housing discrimination.
Housing discrimination based on the source of income is illegal, and government-issued rental vouchers, such as Section 8, provide vital assistance to low-income households. PIG has also agreed to implement an antidiscrimination policy, explicitly stating that Section 8 vouchers will be accepted in all rental listings. The Platzners, their staff, and partners will undergo mandatory training on relevant housing laws and be subject to random compliance testing.
Aaron Carr, Founder and Executive Director of Housing Rights Initiative, emphasized the crucial role of housing enforcement in preventing homelessness and commended the Attorney General’s proactive efforts in enforcing anti-discrimination laws.
Marlene Zarfes, Executive Director of Westchester Residential Opportunities, expressed hope that this settlement would increase housing opportunities for voucher holders as intended under fair housing laws.
State Senator Shelley B. Mayer praised the Attorney General’s commitment to expanding housing opportunities for Westchester residents, while State Senator Nathalia Fernandez emphasized the importance of combating practices that exclude low-income residents from housing opportunities.
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