Be Aware of Housing Discrimination and Unfair Rents

Make sure that you are not a victim of housing discrimination!

In New York City (as well as other states) the Fair Housing Law provides each applicant with equal opportunity and access to real estate.

If you do not speak English well then you have the right to have the documents translated into a language that you can understand or have someone there that you trust to read the contracts for you WITHOUT THE INTERFERENCE OF THE LANDLORD.

Housing in New York City is becomming a problem especially in Asian and Latin Communities where landlords charge Americans and other's who do not share their ethnicity higher rental rates.

This is mostly the case in all sections of Queens, New York. Always be on alert when renting rooms or apartments from persons of Asian and Latin ethnic origin.

Some tips would be to get the local newspaper to check the prices against what is being asked...also call some of the building management companies and get the rates for their buildings.

If you are renting an apartment "by owner" you should not pay an annual management fee, brokerage fee, or any other "fees" associated with upkeep of the properties. In addition, the rent should be CHEAPER than "brokerage managed businesses"!

Also, you should not pay more than $600 a month for a room in New York (except midtown manhattan). Any other places such as all of Queens, Brooklyn, and definately the Bronx no more than $600 and that includes everything (all utilities, should be furnished, have wifi, kitchen, bathroom, and more) If the landlord does not offer this MOVE ON to better services.

Remember, protect yourself and dont be stupid! If you have a weak mind you will not make it here in New York.

Landlord " I have a room for rent in queens for $800 a month or $250 a week"
You: "Fahgeddaboudit! Fukouttahere!" (and go somewhere else)