1. Where you live is your choice!
Federal, State and County Fair Housing laws protect you
when you are looking for a place to live and while you are living in your
house, co-op, condo or apartment. WRO will protect your rights under these
fair housing laws if you live or are looking for a place to live in Westchester
or Putnam Counties.
2. Know your Fair Housing Rights!
You cannot be denied housing or be forced to move from
your housing because of your:
 Race
or color  Religion
 National
Origin
 Gender  Age
 Disability
 Marital
Status
Family Status (families with children under 18 years)  Sexual
Orientation or  Citizenship/Alienage.
These categories are know as “Protected Classes.”
3. Fair Housing Means...
Fair Housing means an Equal Opportunity to live in the
housing that you desire and can afford. Fair Housing means all houses,
apartments, co-ops and condos must be made available on an equal basis,
with terms conditions are the same for all. Everyone is entitled to seek
housing in every neighborhood, and similar information should be provided
to all home seekers. Redlining, blockbusting and intimidating are all
illegal under the Fair Housing Laws. Fair Housing/Fair lending Laws cover
all persons involved in a Real Estate transaction. Advertisers, appraisers,
bankers and home inspectors are all required to give equal treatment to
all consumers.
A Guide to Fair
Housing
Download Fair Housing
Complaint Form
4. What WRO Does
• Handles complaints
WRO responds to complaints of housing discrimination by
investigating, testing, negotiating, mediating and litigating using a
Panel of Cooperating Attorneys. Complaints come from home seekers, real
estate professionals and advocates particularly those working with immigrant
communities and the disabled. Call (914) 428-4507, Ext. 306.
• Provides education for consumers
Fair Housing education for the general homebuying public
takes place at Homebuying Expos, Countywide events, and specialized workshops.
Workshops are developed to educate renters in their rights and responsibilities.
Any group interested in sponsoring such a workshop should contact the
Fair Housing Program. Call (914) 428-4507, Ext. 307
• Trains Professionals
The Fair Housing Program sponsors Fair Housing Seminars
for advocates, Real Estate Professionals and other housing professionals.
Seminars are held for staff and clients at non-profit agencies throughout
Westchester and Putnam Counties, and agents call WRO daily concerning
individual Fair Housing situations thus averting many Fair Housing complaints.
WRO offers consultation services to housing professionals on fair housing
issues. Call (914) 428-4507 Ext. 306
• Trains Co-op Boards
WRO can provide Co-op Board training on fair housing for
a fee. An interactive CD Webcast
for Coops is also available. Call 428-4507, Ext.
306
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