Goshen, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 59 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 59-7
Complaint procedures
Operative Text
A. Any person claiming to be aggrieved by a violator of § 59-3 hereof may, by him or herself or his or her attorney-at-law, make, sign and file with the Fair Housing Officer a written verified complaint which shall state the name and address of the owner or other person alleged to have committed the act of discrimination complained of and shall set forth the particulars of the alleged violation and such other information as may be required by the Officer or Board. Such complaint shall be filed within 60 days after the alleged act of discrimination. B. After the filing of a complaint, the Fair Housing Officer shall make a prompt investigation in connection therewith. If, after such investigation, the Officer determines that probable cause exists for crediting the allegations of the complaint, he or she shall immediately endeavor to eliminate the unlawful discriminatory practice, and the Officer shall state his or her finding of fact and shall issue and cause to be served on the complainant an order dismissing said complaint as to such respondent. C. In case of failure to eliminate the unlawful discriminatory practice complained of, he or she shall cause to be issued and served in the name of the Orange County Human Rights Commission, a written notice, together with a copy of such complaint, hereinafter referred to as "respondent." to answer the charges of such complaint at a hearing before the Commission, at a time and place specified in such notice. The case in support of the complaint shall be presented by the complainant or his attorney. The Fair Housing Officer shall not participate in the hearing except as a witness. Nor shall be or she participate in the deliberation of the Commission in such case; and the aforesaid endeavor at conciliation and persuasion shall not be received in evidence. The respondent may file a written verified answer to the complaint and appear at such hearing in person or otherwise, with or without counsel, and submit testimony. The Commission, or the complainant, shall have the power to reasonably and fairly amend any complaint and the respondent shall have like power to amend his answer. The Commission shall not be bound by the strict rules of evidence prevailing in courts of law or equity. The testimony taken at the hearing shall be under oath and recorded. If, upon all the evidence at the hearing the Commission shall find that a respondent has engaged in any unlawful discriminatory practice as defined in this chapter, the Commission shall state its findings of fact and shall issue and cause to be served on such respondent an order requiring such respondent to cease and desist from such unlawful discriminatory practice and to take such affirmative action as may be indicated to effectuate the provisions of this chapter. If, upon all the evidence, the Commission shall find that a respondent has not engaged in any such unlawful discriminatory practice, the Commission shall state its finding of fact and shall issue and cause to be served on the complainant an order dismissing said complaint as to such respondent. A copy of its order shall be delivered in all cases to the Fair Housing Officer.
Section 59-7 of Goshen, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 59 establishes the process for addressing housing discrimination complaints under § 59-3. A person who believes they have experienced discrimination may file a written, verified complaint with the Fair Housing Officer within 60 days of the alleged act, identifying the respondent and describing the violation. The Fair Housing Officer then investigates and, if probable cause is found, attempts to resolve the matter; if resolution fails, the case proceeds to a formal hearing before the Orange County Human Rights Commission, which can order a respondent to stop discriminatory practices and take corrective action.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 59-7, property owners and managers named as respondents in a fair housing complaint filed with Goshen's Fair Housing Officer should be aware that the process includes an investigation phase, a potential conciliation effort, and, if unresolved, a formal hearing before the Orange County Human Rights Commission. Operators who receive a written notice and copy of a complaint have the right to file a verified written answer and to appear at the hearing with or without legal counsel. Compliant operators generally maintain clear, non-discriminatory policies and documentation that can be presented as evidence if a complaint proceeds to the Commission hearing stage under § 59-7.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 59-7 gives individuals who believe they have been subjected to housing discrimination prohibited by § 59-3 the right to file a written, verified complaint with Goshen's Fair Housing Officer within 60 days of the alleged discriminatory act. Tenants and housing applicants can present their case at a Commission hearing either on their own or through an attorney, and the Commission has authority to order a respondent to cease discriminatory conduct and take affirmative corrective steps. Those seeking to understand their options under § 59-7 may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid office familiar with local fair housing procedures.
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.
Effective Timeline
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation