New Law Protects Co-op Buyers in Suffolk County

Today, the Long Island Board of Realtors (LIBOR) announced that Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy has signed fair housing legislation for co-ops into law. Co-op boards have had virtually unlimited power to reject applications without having to provide a reason. Many have felt that they have had carte blanche to discriminate against protected classes, which include race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, familial status, creed, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, age, military status, presence of children, pregnancy, and gender identity.

The new legislation requires that a co-op board accept or reject a potential buyer within 45 days; and if they are denied, a written reason must be disclosed. LIBOR President Buddy Hoosein stated “…co-op boards have virtually unlimited power to do as they please. Co-op discrimination is known to be very blatant and out in the open. In this day and age that cannot be tolerated.... This law will certainly prevent discrimination…”

LIBOR has spearheaded this legislation, and Realtors have been pursuing similar legislation for many years at the state level. LIBOR began their quest for a local law in Suffolk County first because Suffolk has led the way with other reform efforts in the past. For example, the cell phone law, which prevents drivers from using cell phones while driving, was first passed in Suffolk and eventually went on to become state law.

LIBOR plans to pursue a similar co-op bill in Nassau County and then in New York City. This new legislation is a welcome change for Realtors on Long Island and hopefully will become law statewide.

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