NEW YORK — Proud Queens grandmother Shavonna Wilkins found her dream apartment in Rego Park through a housing lottery.
Facing health complications, she says she appreciated the proximity to medical offices.
“I saw the apartment. I fell in love with the apartment,” she said. “And the area is multicultural. Everyone is there, and it seems like they are so loving.”
She was approved and ready to move in until an unexpected email arrived. Reside New York, the agency that matched her, told her that the landlord had withdrawn from the NYC Housing Connect program. The apartment was no longer hers.
“I was really devastated. I broke down and cried,” she said. “I believe it is discrimination against my voucher.”
A source of income discrimination arises when landlords, owners or agents refuse to allow tenants to rely on government assistance to cover rent. It has been illegal in New York City since 2008.
Reside New York, the agency that matched Wilkins, called itself an HPD-approved marketing agency and denied discrimination. The statement reads in part:
“…If a property owner chooses to withdraw from the regulated program and loses associated benefits, they are no longer limited to renting the units through Housing Connect or complying with HPD/HDC guidelines. The owner and its representative marketing agent have no obligation to rent the units or find other housing options for applicants who apply through the lottery system, although Reside New York encourages all applicants seeking housing to apply for equal opportunities at Housing Connect as thousands of units are available annually through this process..”
The building’s management, GT One Stop Realty Corp. and Rego Park Partner LLC, did not respond to CBS New York’s request for comment.
Stephanie Rivera of the NYC Commission on Human Rights says it is illegal to give preference to tenants who pay out of pocket.
“Fines of up to $250,000 can be imposed if the violation is intentional,” she said.
Wilkins clings to the hope of a forever home.
“I just want to have a new place where I feel comfortable, where I’m happy and in a decent environment, and that’s all I’m asking for,” she said.
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Elle McLogan
