2025 Settlement Highlights

The Commission has the authority to assess fines and obtain monetary damages for those aggrieved by violations of the New York City Human Rights Law. Additionally, the Commission may negotiate additional remedies including rehiring, policy change, training, and modifications for accessibility.

January - June 2025

Landlord Settled Disability Discrimination Case for $5,000 in Emotional Distress Damages and Civil Penalties

Complainant, a person who uses a wheelchair, filed a complaint against her landlord for refusing to provide a reasonable accommodation by transferring her to a first-floor apartment that had recently become available. After filing the complaint, the landlord transferred Complainant to the available first-floor apartment. Landlord agreed to pay Complainant $4,000 in emotional distress damages and $1,000 in civil penalties for the delay in providing reasonable accommodations.

Compass Inc. Agrees to Partnership with New York City's Public Engagement Unit and Pays $160,000 Settling Two Source of Income Discrimination Cases

Two Complainants with housing vouchers were not permitted to apply to available units listed by Compass Inc. The Commission initiated a complaint after testing by Housing Rights Initiative revealed Compass Inc. informed a tester of minimum income and credit requirements despite the voucher covering 100% of the rent. Compass Inc. agreed to pay $25,000 to each Complainant for emotional distress damages and $110,000 in civil penalties. Compass Inc. will also partner with the City's Public Engagement Unit to work with voucher holders and directly share listings within voucher payment standard range. Compass Inc. agents must attend anti-discrimination training, update policies, and display legally required postings.

The Henry Norman Hotel Settled Service Animal Discrimination Claim for $26,000 in Emotional Distress Damages and Civil Penalties

Complainants filed a claim against the Henry Norman Hotel, alleging employees made derogatory remarks about the use of their service animal. Hotel staff harassed Complainants throughout the night and into the next morning about the use of the service animal going so far as to call NYPD. The Hotel agreed to pay Complainants $21,000 in emotional distress damages and $5,000 in civil penalties. The settlement also requires training on the NYC Human Rights Law, updating policies to be reviewed by the Commission, displaying the Commission's "Notice of Rights" poster.