Waterford, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 81 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 81-7
Administration
Operative Text
A. Authority and responsibility. The authority and responsibility for publicizing, administering, and enforcing this chapter shall be the Town's Fair Housing Officer, to be designated by the Supervisor of the Town of Waterford. B. Violations. Violations of this chapter shall be reported in person or in writing to the Town's Attorney/Fair Housing Officer within a year of the alleged discriminatory housing practice. C. Enforcement. Where sufficient cause exists to believe that the terms of this chapter have been violated, the Fair Housing Officer shall institute a suit in the appropriate court against the alleged violator within 120 days following the issuance of the charge. D. Penalties for offenses. Where a person or organization has been found, after a trial on the merits, in violation of this chapter, a fine shall be imposed on such person or organization not to exceed $1,000 for a first offense, $5,000 for a second offense and $10,000 for third offense. Each and every separate violation of this chapter shall be deemed an offense for the purpose of imposing the appropriate fine.
Waterford, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 81 § 81-7 establishes the administrative framework for the town's fair housing rules. A designated Fair Housing Officer, appointed by the Town Supervisor, is responsible for publicizing, administering, and enforcing the chapter. Complaints about discriminatory housing practices must be submitted within one year of the alleged incident, and if sufficient cause is found, the Fair Housing Officer must file suit in the appropriate court within 120 days of issuing a charge. Fines following a court finding of violation can reach $1,000 for a first offense, $5,000 for a second, and $10,000 for a third, with each separate violation counted independently.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 81-7 of Waterford's fair housing ordinance, property owners and managers are subject to escalating fines—up to $1,000 for a first offense, $5,000 for a second, and $10,000 for a third—if a court finds them in violation. Compliant operators generally maintain consistent, non-discriminatory policies and practices across all housing transactions to avoid triggering a complaint to the Town's Fair Housing Officer. Because each separate violation is treated as a distinct offense, operators typically review their practices regularly to ensure ongoing compliance with the chapter as a whole.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 81-7 of Waterford, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 81 gives tenants and housing applicants the right to report alleged discriminatory housing practices to the Town's Attorney/Fair Housing Officer, either in person or in writing, within one year of the incident. If the Fair Housing Officer finds sufficient cause, the town may pursue legal action against the alleged violator on the complainant's behalf. Tenants who believe their fair housing rights have been affected may also wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid service to understand the full range of options available under § 81-7 and applicable state or federal law.
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 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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