Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 187 § 187-10
Penalties for offenses
Operative Text
A. Upon a finding, after investigation or hearing, that a respondent has engaged in an unlawful discriminatory practice under this chapter, the Fair Housing Office may issue an order requiring such respondent to take appropriate action to effectuate the purposes of this chapter. Such order may include one or more of the following: (1) A fine of no less than $1,000 but no greater than $5,000 for each offense, with each act of discrimination to be considered a separate offense; (2) Revocation or suspension of any license or permit issued by the City of Albany necessary to the operation of the housing accommodation(s) in question, and any other equitable relief necessary to effect the purposes of this chapter; (3) Awarding compensatory damages to the aggrieved person, including out-of-pocket losses and other actual damages; (4) An order to cease and desist from such unlawful practices and to take affirmative action which, in the judgment of the Fair Housing Office, will effectuate the purposes of this chapter, including but not limited to, an order directing the respondent to extend full, equal, and unsegregated accommodations, advantages, facilities, and privileges to all persons; (5) An order directing the respondent to reimburse all costs, expenses, and disbursements incurred by the City of Albany in effecting compliance with this chapter; and/or (6) Such other relief as the court may deem just and proper. B. Failure to comply with § 187-7 of this chapter shall constitute a violation subject to administrative enforcement. (1) The Fair Housing Office shall issue a written notice of violation identifying the noncompliance and providing a period of not less than 20 days to cure such violation. (2) If the violation is not cured within the specified period, the Fair Housing Officer may impose a civil penalty of $500 per violation. (3) Each day that a violation continues after the expiration of the cure period may constitute a separate offense. (4) The Fair Housing Officer may waive or reduce penalties upon a showing of good faith efforts to comply. C. In addition to, or in lieu of, issuing an order under this section, the Fair Housing Officer may request the Corporation Counsel to commence an action in a court of competent jurisdiction to enforce any order issued under this chapter; seek the imposition of civil penalties and other relief authorized herein; and obtain such other equitable or legal relief as the court deems just and proper. D. Any person who shall willfully resist, prevent, impede or interfere with the Office or any of its employees or representatives in the performance of duty pursuant to the provisions of this chapter or who shall fail to comply with the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a violation punishable by a fine which shall not exceed $500 in amount or by imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both.
Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 187 § 187-10 establishes a range of penalties and remedies that the Fair Housing Office may impose when a respondent is found to have engaged in unlawful housing discrimination. Fines for discriminatory acts can range from $1,000 to $5,000 per offense, and each separate act counts as its own offense. The provision also authorizes compensatory damages for harmed individuals, license or permit revocation, cease-and-desist orders, and civil penalties of $500 per day for ongoing non-compliance with reporting requirements. Willful interference with the Fair Housing Office's work can result in a fine of up to $500 or up to 15 days of imprisonment, or both.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 187 § 187-10, operators of housing accommodations in Albany who are found to have engaged in discriminatory practices face a layered set of consequences, including fines of $1,000–$5,000 per offense, potential suspension or revocation of city-issued licenses or permits, and orders to provide equal access to all applicants and residents. Compliant operators generally maintain documented fair-housing policies, respond promptly to any Fair Housing Office inquiries, and cure any identified violations within the notice period—which is no less than 20 days—to avoid escalating daily civil penalties of $500. Good-faith efforts to comply are a factor the Fair Housing Officer may consider when deciding whether to waive or reduce penalties under this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 187 § 187-10 gives the Fair Housing Office authority to order meaningful relief for people who have experienced unlawful housing discrimination, including compensatory damages covering out-of-pocket losses, cease-and-desist orders against the offending party, and fines that treat each discriminatory act as a separate offense. Tenants or applicants who believe they have been subjected to discriminatory practices may file a complaint with the Albany Fair Housing Office, which can investigate and hold hearings to determine whether a violation occurred. Consulting a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider familiar with ch. 187 can help individuals understand the range of remedies available and the process for pursuing them.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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