Hornell, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 176 § 176-4
Enforcement
Operative Text
A. Within 180 days after the alleged occurrence of a prohibited act as hereinabove defined, any person claiming to be aggrieved by another person having engaged in one of said prohibited acts may file with the Fair Housing Officer a verified complaint, in writing, which shall state the name and address of the property owner, the address of the property involved, the name and address of the person allegedly engaged in one of the prohibited acts and a detailed statement describing the alleged prohibited act. Upon receiving such verified complaint, the Fair Housing Officer may elect any of the following procedures: (1) Conduct an investigation into the allegations of the complaint, with or without notice to the person alleged to have committed the violation and/or the owner of the property. (2) Attempt conciliation among the parties to the end that a settlement agreement be entered into providing for the elimination of any prohibited act and/or affirmative action to ensure the future compliance with the conditions and purposes of this chapter. (3) Assist the complainant in the preparation and submission of a housing discrimination complaint (HUD Form 903) with the appropriate division of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. (4) Assist the complainant in the preparation and submission of a complaint to the State Division of Human Rights under Article 15 of the New York Executive Law. (5) Assist the complainant in the preparation and filing of a complaint or information with the City Court of the City of Hornell, New York, charging the violation of this policy. Upon the filing of any such complaint or information, it shall be the duty of the City Attorney to prosecute the complaint or information in said City Court. B. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, a person who claims to be aggrieved by an alleged occurrence of a prohibited act may file a complaint or information with City Court without first seeking redress through the Fair Housing Officer; provided, however, that any such proceeding must be brought within 270 days after the alleged violation.
Section 176-4 of Hornell's fair housing ordinance establishes the enforcement process for alleged housing discrimination violations. A person who believes they have been subjected to a prohibited act has 180 days to file a written, verified complaint with the Fair Housing Officer, who may then investigate, pursue conciliation, or assist in filing complaints with state or federal agencies. Alternatively, under subsection B, an aggrieved person may bypass the Fair Housing Officer entirely and file directly with Hornell City Court, as long as the action is brought within 270 days of the alleged violation.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers in Hornell should be aware that under § 176-4, a complaint alleging a prohibited act can be filed against them with the Fair Housing Officer within 180 days of the alleged occurrence. A compliant operator generally maintains clear, documented fair housing practices so that if a complaint is filed, records are available to support a response during any investigation or conciliation process. Complaints may also be referred to HUD, the New York State Division of Human Rights, or Hornell City Court, so operators typically ensure their practices align with all applicable fair housing requirements.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 176-4 gives individuals who believe they have experienced a prohibited housing act two main enforcement paths in Hornell. Within 180 days, a person may file a verified written complaint with the Fair Housing Officer, who can investigate, facilitate a settlement, or assist in submitting complaints to HUD (using Form 903), the New York State Division of Human Rights, or Hornell City Court. Separately, under subsection B, a person may file directly with Hornell City Court within 270 days of the alleged violation without first going through the Fair Housing Officer; tenant-rights organizations can help individuals understand which avenue may be appropriate for their circumstances.
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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