Freeport, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 167 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 167-3
Discriminatory practices prohibited
Operative Text
It shall be an unlawful discriminatory practice for any real estate broker, real estate salesman or employee or agent thereof or any other individual, corporation, partnership or organization, for the purpose of inducing a real estate transaction from which any such person or any of its stockholders or members may benefit financially, to represent that a change has occurred or will or may occur in the composition with respect to race, creed, color or national origin of the owners or occupants in the block, neighborhood or area in which the real property is located and to represent, directly or indirectly, that this change will or may result in undesirable consequences in the block, neighborhood or area in which the real property is located, including but not limited to the lowering of property values, an increase in criminal or antisocial behavior or a decline in the quality of schools or other facilities.
Section 167-3 of Freeport's Code of Ordinances prohibits a practice commonly known as 'blockbusting.' Specifically, the rule makes it unlawful for real estate brokers, salespersons, agents, or any other person or organization to suggest that a neighborhood's racial, religious, or national-origin composition is changing—or will change—in order to steer a real estate transaction that benefits them financially. The rule further prohibits implying that such a demographic shift will lead to negative outcomes, such as falling property values, increased crime, or declining school quality.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Real estate professionals and property owners operating under Freeport, N.Y., Code ch. 167 § 167-3 are expected to avoid any communications—direct or indirect—that invoke neighborhood demographic changes to motivate a sale, purchase, or other transaction. Compliant operators base all representations about a property and its surrounding area on objective, verifiable information rather than appeals to racial, religious, or ethnic composition. Maintaining clear records of how properties are marketed and what statements are made to prospective buyers or sellers supports adherence to this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 167-3 of Freeport's Code of Ordinances gives residents and prospective buyers protection against blockbusting tactics that exploit fears about neighborhood demographic change. If a real estate professional makes unsolicited or suggestive statements about racial, ethnic, or religious shifts in a neighborhood in connection with a transaction, that conduct may constitute a violation of this provision. Individuals who believe they have encountered such practices can document the communications, reach out to a local tenant-rights or fair-housing organization, or contact the appropriate municipal or state authority to explore available remedies.
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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