BHB filed a suit against Oxford Property Group, a major New York brokerage firm, on behalf of the Fair Housing Justice Center and a Brooklyn tenant, alleging source-of-income discrimination against tenants who pay with housing vouchers, in violation of New York State and New York City Human Rights Laws.

After receiving reports that Oxford was discriminating against prospective tenants who relied on housing vouchers, FHJC launched an investigation into these practices. The investigation provided unequivocal data that Oxford was turning away applicants who intended to pay with vouchers in favor of tenants without vouchers.

Oxford’s discrimination worsens New York City’s severe housing crisis by excluding eligible residents in a city already struggling with overcrowded homeless shelters and a shortage of affordable housing. While housing vouchers are intended to relieve the burden for New Yorkers and plaintiff, a veteran and mother seeking a home to meet medical needs and support a growing family, they have instead become a source of frustration and exclusion in a broken system.

We look forward to holding Oxford accountable and advancing systemic change to ensure that voucher holders are treated with the dignity, opportunity, and housing access the law demands. 

Partner Organizations: Peter Romer-Friedman Law

Important Documents: 

• Complaint – Fair Housing Justice Center v. Oxford Property Group

Media Coverage: Press Release and FHJC Complaint Alleges Voucher Holders Denied Access