Middletown, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 296 § 296-10
Posting of notices and injunctions; penalties for defacing notices
Operative Text
A. In addition to the sanctions and remedies set forth in § 296-9 , the City of Middletown, New York, may apply for an order in a court of competent jurisdiction to compel compliance with or to restrain any violation of any provision of § 296-8 . B. In order to prevent the involvement of innocent third parties in the rental or sale of housing accommodations or land in the period after a complaint is filed but before an order or injunction is obtained, the Corporation Counsel may post for 15 days a notice on the said housing premises or land, unless the person or persons charged with discrimination agree in writing not to sell or rent during the pendency of the action or proceeding against such person or persons. Any person or persons who remove, cover or deface the posted notice shall be fined not less than $100 nor more than $250 or shall be imprisoned not less than five days nor more than 15 days, or shall be both fined and imprisoned. C. In order further to prevent the rental or sale of the housing accommodations or land in violation of this article, the Corporation Counsel or legal representative may seek from a court of competent jurisdiction a temporary injunction or restraining order to prevent the disposition of the premises to other than the complainant during the pendency of the complaint alleging discrimination.
Section 296-10 of Middletown, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 296 establishes several enforcement tools available after a housing discrimination complaint is filed. The City may seek court orders to compel compliance or stop violations of the fair housing rules in § 296-8. During the period between when a complaint is filed and when a court order is obtained, the Corporation Counsel may post a notice on the property for up to 15 days to protect third parties, and a temporary injunction may be sought to prevent the property from being sold or rented to anyone other than the complainant while the case is pending. Tampering with a posted notice—by removing, covering, or defacing it—carries a fine of $100 to $250, imprisonment of five to fifteen days, or both.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 296-10 of Middletown's Code of Ordinances ch. 296, property owners and managers facing a pending discrimination complaint should be aware that the City's Corporation Counsel has authority to post official notices directly on the property and to seek court-ordered injunctions that can restrict the sale or rental of the property during the proceeding. Compliant operators ensure that any posted notice is left fully intact, as removing, covering, or defacing such a notice is itself a separate offense carrying fines and potential imprisonment. Operators who agree in writing not to sell or rent the property during the pendency of the action may avoid having a notice posted on the premises.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 296-10 of Middletown, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 296 provides protections designed to preserve a complainant's position while a housing discrimination case is pending. If a complaint has been filed under this chapter, the Corporation Counsel may post a notice on the property and seek a temporary injunction to prevent the housing accommodation from being rented or sold to someone other than the complainant during the proceeding. Tenants or prospective buyers who believe they have experienced housing discrimination may wish to contact the City of Middletown, a local fair housing organization, or a tenant-rights group to understand how these enforcement mechanisms might apply to their situation.
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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