Geneva, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 158 § 158-2
Declaration of policy
Operative Text
A. The general purposes of this chapter are to promote the availability and accessibility of housing and real property to all persons; to prohibit unfair practices in real property transactions, whether direct or indirect, which inexcusably and unjustifiably deny those persons equal rights and opportunities in acquiring, disposing of, or occupying real property; to provide enforcement mechanisms for the accomplishment of such purposes; and to these ends the provisions of this chapter shall be liberally construed. The role of the Geneva Human Rights Commission is to enforce the provisions of this chapter in furtherance of this policy. B. This chapter shall not be construed to endorse specific beliefs, practices, or lifestyles. C. Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to deny any person the right to institute any action or to pursue any civil or criminal remedy for the violation of such person's civil rights. D. Remedies under this chapter should include such relief authorized by law as may be appropriate and reasonable to provide appropriate temporary or preliminary relief as well as to make the aggrieved person whole and eliminate the unfair practice. E. Nothing contained in this chapter is intended to be nor shall be construed to create or form the basis for any liability on the part of the City, or its officers, employees or agents, for any injury or damage resulting from or by reason of any act or omission in connection with the implementation or enforcement of this chapter on the part of the City by its officers, employees, or agents.
Section 158-2 of Geneva, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 158 establishes the foundational policy behind the city's fair housing and real property chapter. The rule declares that unfair practices in real property transactions — whether direct or indirect — that deny people equal rights based on protected characteristics are prohibited, and that the chapter's provisions should be interpreted broadly to advance that goal. Remedies available under this chapter are meant to be appropriate and reasonable, aiming both to stop unfair practices and to make affected persons whole. The chapter does not create liability for the City of Geneva or its employees in connection with enforcement actions.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Geneva should be aware that ch. 158 § 158-2 sets the overarching policy framework under which all real property transactions in the city are evaluated for fairness and equal access. Compliant operators generally ensure that their practices in renting, selling, or otherwise dealing in real property do not — directly or indirectly — deny any person equal rights or opportunities. Because § 158-2 directs that the chapter be liberally construed, operators typically review their policies with an eye toward broad compliance rather than narrow technical readings.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 158-2 of Geneva's ch. 158 affirms that all persons have the right to equal access and opportunity in acquiring, occupying, or disposing of real property, and that unfair practices undermining those rights are prohibited. Tenants and prospective tenants should know that this provision explicitly preserves the right to pursue separate civil or criminal remedies for civil rights violations, in addition to any relief available under the chapter itself. The Geneva Human Rights Commission is designated as the enforcement body for ch. 158, and individuals who believe they have experienced an unfair housing practice may consider contacting that Commission or a tenant-rights organization to understand available options.
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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