NJ landlords face fines for disability discrimination
By: Gene Myers
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
..... New Jersey's Division on Civil rights says it's considering penalties against landlords and property managers in eight cases of alleged discrimination against tenants with disabilities.
.....
The housing providers in Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Ocean and Union counties allegedly declined to rent to tenants, refused to provide accessible parking spaces or ignored reported harassment at their properties, the division announced last week. [07/25/2024]
..... In New Jersey, the strong protections offered by our Law Against Discrimination means you don't have to face housing discrimination because of your disability," Attorney General Matthew Platkin said in a statement. "The enforcement actions we are announcing today [07/25/2024] reflect our office's ongoing commitment to putting a stop to disability discrimination across our state.
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The findings follow preliminary investigations that found a "reasonable suspicion" of violations, but further adjudication of the cases is still required, the division said. The state could impose penalties of up to $50,000 for each incident if multiple violations are found.
..... Among the violations alleged by the state:
..... In Bergen County: a resident of the Saddle River Estates condominium complex field a complaint against the condo association and its management company, One Madison Management Corporation, for discrimination, the state said.
..... The resident,
who has a disability, asked to keep his car in his assigned parking space during snowstorms for easier access to his unit, rather than moving it to a visitor's lot as required by property rules. Management cited snow removal expenses in arguing that granting his request would be too costly. The state, however, found the management failed to properly consider the request or explore other possible accommodations.
..... In Union County: the owner and management at the Mill Run at Union, Apartments denied a request for a designated accessible parking spot without showing the accommodation would be onerous.
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In Camden, an owner of a unit in the Cooper Building :reneged on a lease agreement with a potential tenant due to the individual's disability," authorities said.
..... The lease was offered and canceled after an in-person meeting where the prospective tenant's disability was apparent, according to the state. The owner's representative stated, "I don't think this house is really safe and good for [Complainant] given his condition." And she added that she feared the prospective tenant would cerate a liability risk for the property, according to authorities.
..... In Ocean County, the owner of a seven-unit rental property in Seaside Park allegedly failed to address ongoing harassment of a tenant with a disability. The investigation said the owner was aware of the harassment but didn't take reasonable steps to end it, which was his obligation under the law.
..... In Burlington County, the state found that Penn Properties Management Company, a property owner that had already received 19 notices of violation earlier this year, [2024] failed to address mold and electrical issues that harmed the health of a tenant with disabilities.