Probe bias against kids
ALBANY — Gov. Cuomo Wednesday ordered that an existing probe into housing discrimination against immigrants also look into landlords who won’t rent to people with kids.
Cuomo expanded the investigation as a result of a Daily News story about Karent Ramos, who said she’s been turned down for apartments in Queens by more than 20 landlords because she has a 4-year-old daughter.
Ramos wasn’t alone in facing such issues.
The News also found that Elisa Campis, a 37-year-old mother of two, and her boyfriend were also having trouble finding housing due to her kids.
“A media report this morning suggests widespread practices of housing discrimination against tenants with children,” Cuomo said, calling it “repulsive and against the values New York was founded upon.”
“To be clear, these practices are illegal and will not be tolerated,” he said.
Cuomo said the expanded investigation will look into the cases outlined by The News as well as undertake a broader examination “to determine the breadth of this unacceptable practice.”
One building Ramos looked at had a particularly brazen handwritten sign that read: “For rent-adultos-no ninos.”
Sen. Jose Peralta (D-Queens) has already filed a complaint on Ramos’ behalf with the state attorney general’s office.
The governor last month directed the state housing department and division of human rights to investigate landlord policies and practices that discriminate against individuals based on immigration status, national origin, ethnicity or race.
The probe was launched after The News reported a landlord in Corona, Queens, sent a letter to tenants in 23 apartments asking that they prove their citizenship or face eviction.
“Rest assured, New York will always stand up for renters and fight for their rights and protection,” Cuomo said.