Deposit, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 77 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 77-8
Court action
Operative Text
Any person claiming to be aggrieved by an unlawful discriminatory practice, as defined in § 77-3 of this chapter, shall have a cause of action in any court of competent jurisdiction within one year from the date of occurrence for damages and such other remedies as may be appropriate. The court may: A. Award actual damages, including but not limited to damages for mental anguish, embarrassment and humiliation; B. Award punitive damages; C. Award reasonable attorney's fees in the case of a prevailing plaintiff; and/or D. Grant as relief, if it deems appropriate, any permanent or temporary injunction, temporary restraining order or other order. No bond shall be required prior to the issuance of injunctive relief.
Section 77-8 of Deposit, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 77 establishes that anyone who believes they have been subjected to an unlawful discriminatory housing practice under § 77-3 may bring a civil lawsuit in a court of competent jurisdiction within one year of the alleged incident. If a court finds in the plaintiff's favor, it is empowered to award actual damages (including those for mental anguish, embarrassment, and humiliation), punitive damages, and reasonable attorney's fees. Courts may also issue injunctive relief—such as temporary restraining orders or permanent injunctions—without requiring the plaintiff to post a bond beforehand.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 77-8 of Deposit's Chapter 77, property owners and managers who engage in practices prohibited by § 77-3 face exposure to a range of court-ordered remedies, including actual damages, punitive damages, and the opposing party's attorney's fees. Operators who maintain consistent, documented, non-discriminatory policies and procedures across all applicants and tenants are generally better positioned to demonstrate compliance. Keeping thorough records of leasing decisions, communications, and policy applications is a practice commonly associated with lawful housing operations.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 77-8 of Deposit, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 77 gives individuals who believe they have experienced unlawful discrimination under § 77-3 the right to file a civil lawsuit within one year of the incident. A court finding in a tenant's favor may result in compensation for actual harm—including emotional distress—as well as punitive damages and attorney's fees, which can make legal representation more accessible. Tenants exploring this path may consider reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization or fair housing agency to better understand the options available under this provision.
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 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation