Potsdam, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 162 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 162-5
Administration; penalties for offenses
Operative Text
A. This chapter shall be enforced by the local Fair Housing Officer, who will be appointed by the Town Board. B. The Fair Housing Officer shall have the authority to make, adopt and promulgate such written rules, regulations and forms as he/she may deem necessary for the proper enforcement and administration of this chapter and to secure the intent thereof. Such rules, regulations and forms shall not be in conflict with the provisions of this chapter, any other local ordinance or the New York State Fair Housing Code. Said rules, regulations and forms shall be on file and available for public view. C. If any realtor, landlord or homeowner is reported to be violating or to have violated the conditions set forth in this chapter or in the rules and regulations of the Fair Housing Office, that person or persons shall be investigated. A fine shall be imposed on any person or organization found in violation of this chapter: $100 for a first offense, $300 for a second offense and $500 for a third or subsequent offense. Each and every violation of this chapter shall be deemed a separate offense for the purpose of imposing the appropriate fine.
Potsdam, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 162 § 162-5 establishes a local Fair Housing Officer, appointed by the Town Board, as the primary enforcer of the town's fair housing rules. The Officer is empowered to create written rules, forms, and regulations needed to carry out the chapter, provided those materials do not conflict with local ordinances or the New York State Fair Housing Code. Violations carry escalating fines — $100 for a first offense, $300 for a second, and $500 for a third or any subsequent offense — with each individual violation counted separately for the purpose of calculating fines.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Potsdam, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 162 § 162-5, property owners and managers are subject to investigation whenever a complaint of a fair housing violation is reported to the Fair Housing Office. Operators who stay current with the written rules, regulations, and forms published by the Fair Housing Officer — all of which must be available for public review — are better positioned to demonstrate compliance. Because each violation is treated as a separate offense, repeated or multiple infractions can result in compounding fines that escalate from $100 to $300 and then to $500 per offense.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Potsdam, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 162 § 162-5 gives tenants and prospective tenants a formal channel for reporting suspected fair housing violations: a complaint can be brought to the local Fair Housing Officer, who is required to investigate. The rules, regulations, and forms governing that process must be kept on file and available for public inspection, so anyone can review the procedures before or during a complaint. Tenants who believe their fair housing rights have been affected may also consider reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization or consulting an attorney familiar with New York State fair housing law for broader guidance on 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 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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