Canton, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 158 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 158-7
Administration
Operative Text
A. Authority and responsibility. The authority and responsibility for publicizing, administering and enforcing (to the degree practical) this chapter shall be in the Code Enforcement Officer of the Town of Canton or another person if designated by the Town Superintendent. B. Reporting offenses. Violations of this chapter shall be reported in person or in writing to the Town Supervisor within one year of the alleged discriminatory housing practice. The Town Supervisor shall refer all such complaints to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development's Region II Buffalo Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity for investigation and prosecution (if warranted). C. Enforcement. Where sufficient cause exists to believe that the terms of this chapter have been violated, the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity shall institute a suit in Federal District Court or through an administrative proceeding against the alleged violator following the issuance of the charge. D. Penalties for offenses. Where a person or organization has been found, after a trial on the merits, in violation of this chapter and/or Federal Fair Housing Laws, civil penalties shall be imposed on such persons or organizations not to exceed $10,000 for a first violation, $25,000 for a second violation and $50,000 for a third violation. Each and every separate violation of this chapter or Federal Fair Housing Laws shall be deemed a violation for the purpose of imposing the appropriate civil penalty.
Canton, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 158 § 158-7 establishes how the town's fair housing rules are administered and enforced. The Code Enforcement Officer (or a designee) oversees the chapter, while complaints must be filed with the Town Supervisor within one year of an alleged discriminatory housing practice. Substantiated violations can be pursued in Federal District Court or through administrative proceedings, and civil penalties after a finding of guilt range from up to $10,000 for a first offense, up to $25,000 for a second, and up to $50,000 for a third, with each separate act counted individually.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Canton, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 158 § 158-7, property owners and managers operating in Canton are expected to conduct their rental practices in full compliance with both the local fair housing chapter and applicable federal fair housing law. Compliant operators generally maintain consistent, non-discriminatory policies in advertising, tenant screening, and lease administration so that no basis for a complaint arises. Because the Town Supervisor refers all complaints directly to HUD's Region II Buffalo Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, operators should be aware that enforcement can escalate to federal administrative proceedings or Federal District Court.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Canton, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 158 § 158-7 gives residents who believe they have experienced a discriminatory housing practice a formal path to seek redress: a complaint may be filed in person or in writing with the Town Supervisor within one year of the alleged incident. The Town Supervisor is then required to refer the matter to HUD's Region II Buffalo Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, which handles investigation and, if warranted, prosecution. Tenants who believe their rights have been violated may also contact a local tenant-rights organization or HUD directly to understand the full range of options available under both this chapter and federal fair housing law.
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 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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