Geneva, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 158 § 158-19
Administrative decision and order
Operative Text
A. Within 30 days after conclusion of the hearing, the chairperson of the Board presiding at the hearing (or the Examiner as the case may be) shall prepare a written decision and order. The final decision shall be filed as a public record with the City Clerk, and copies thereof mailed to each party of record and to the Commission. B. Such decision shall contain a brief summary of the evidence considered and shall contain findings of fact, conclusions of law upon which the decision is based, and an order detailing the relief deemed appropriate, together with a brief statement of the reasons therefor. C. In the event the Board (or a majority of the panel composed of the Examiner and Board), determines that a respondent has committed an unfair practice under this chapter, the Board (or panel majority) may order the respondent to take such affirmative action or provide for such relief as is deemed necessary to correct the practice, effectuate the purpose of this chapter, and secure compliance therewith, including but not limited to rent refund, or credit, reinstatement to tenancy, affirmative recruiting and advertising measures, attorney's fees or to take such other action as in the judgment of the Board (or panel majority) will effectuate the purposes of this chapter. The Board (or panel majority) may grant any relief that could be ordered by a court, including actual damages, damages for loss of the right to be free from discrimination in real estate transactions, injunctive or equitable relief, any other appropriate remedy set forth in the Federal Fair Housing Amendments Act (P.L. 100-430), and assessment of civil penalties as set forth in § 158-20 . An order may include the requirement for a report on the matter of compliance. D. Any person aggrieved by a final order of the Board (or panel majority) may appeal the order on the record to an appropriate court. E. The Board in the performance of its functions may enlist the aid of all departments of City government, and all said departments are directed to fully cooperate therewith.
Geneva, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 158 § 158-19 establishes the process by which the Rent and Housing Board (or an Examiner panel) issues a written decision after a fair housing or unfair practice hearing. Within 30 days of the hearing's conclusion, a formal written order must be filed as a public record with the City Clerk and sent to all parties. If an unfair practice is found, the order can require a wide range of remedies—including rent refunds, reinstatement of tenancy, attorney's fees, actual damages, injunctive relief, and civil penalties—and any aggrieved party may appeal the final order to an appropriate court.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 158-19, property owners and managers who are named as respondents in a hearing should be aware that a written decision and order will be issued within 30 days of the hearing's close and will become a public record filed with the City Clerk. If the Board or panel majority finds that an unfair practice occurred, the resulting order can require affirmative corrective actions, financial remedies such as rent refunds, and potentially civil penalties as referenced in § 158-20. Operators who maintain thorough documentation of their rental practices and advertising efforts are generally better positioned to demonstrate compliance throughout the hearing process.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 158-19 gives tenants who participate in a fair housing or unfair practice proceeding the right to receive a copy of the written decision and order once it is issued. If the Board or panel majority finds in a tenant's favor, available remedies can include reinstatement to tenancy, rent refunds or credits, attorney's fees, actual damages, and other relief comparable to what a court could award. Tenants who believe a final order does not adequately address their situation have the right under § 158-19(D) to appeal that order to an appropriate court, and consulting a tenant-rights organization can help in understanding what options may be available.
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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