Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 154, art. IV § 154-20
Penalties for offenses (Buffalo Fair Housing Ordinance)
Operative Text
A. Upon certification by the Fair Housing Officer that there has been an affirmative finding of reasonable cause of discriminatory practice, the Fair Housing Officer may: (1) Request the Corporation Counsel to file an action in the name of the City of Buffalo against the accused party, in a court of competent jurisdiction, seeking the imposition of the following penalties: (a) A fine not exceeding $2,500 for the first instance of discrimination in violation of this article; plus, a fine not exceeding $5,000, for each finding of a subsequent act of discrimination in violation of this article. Each act of discrimination shall be considered a separate offense; and/or (b) Subsequent violation. Any person found to have previously violated this article shall be subject to a fine not exceeding $5,000 for the first instance of discrimination in violation of this article; plus, a fine not exceeding $10,000 for each subsequent finding of discrimination in violation of this article. Each act of discrimination shall be considered a separate offense; and/or (c) Revocation or suspension of any license or permit issued by the City of Buffalo necessary to the operation of the housing in question, and any other equitable relief necessary to effect the purposes of this article; and/or (d) All costs, expenses and disbursements incurred by the City of Buffalo in effecting compliance with this article; and/or (e) Such other relief directed by a court of appropriate jurisdiction; and/or (2) Request a qualified fair housing enforcement agency to commence a civil action or proceeding for injunctive relief, damages, and other appropriate relief in law or equity against a person who violates this article. In any such action or proceeding, the court, in its discretion, may allow the party commencing such action or proceeding, if such party prevails, a reasonable attorney's fee as part of the costs. B. The Corporation Counsel may seek a contempt order from a court of appropriate jurisdiction, if necessary, to enforce a conciliation agreement or penalties imposed under this article. C. The Corporation Counsel may commence a civil action or proceeding in the name of the City of Buffalo for injunctive relief, damages, and other appropriate relief in law or equity against a person who violates this article. In any such action or proceeding, the court, in its discretion, may allow for the party commencing such action or proceeding, if such party prevails, a reasonable attorney's fee as part of the costs. D. Nothing in this provision shall obviate, prevent, or otherwise alter, a complainant's right to commence a separate and distinct civil action or proceeding for injunctive relief, damages, and other appropriate relief in law or equity against a person who violates this article. No agreement entered into as part of conciliation between the City of Buffalo and the person who violates this article shall be binding upon the complainant.
Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 154, art. IV § 154-20 establishes a tiered penalty structure for fair housing violations in Buffalo. When the Fair Housing Officer certifies a finding of reasonable cause, the City may pursue fines ranging from up to $2,500 for a first offense to up to $10,000 per subsequent offense for repeat violators, with each discriminatory act treated as a separate offense. Beyond fines, the provision allows for license or permit revocation, recovery of the City's enforcement costs, injunctive relief, and civil actions — and it expressly preserves the right of an individual complainant to pursue their own separate civil lawsuit regardless of any agreement reached between the City and the accused party.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 154-20, property owners and managers operating in Buffalo are expected to maintain full compliance with the city's fair housing article, as violations can trigger escalating financial penalties and potential loss of city-issued licenses or permits required to operate rental housing. A compliant operator generally ensures that all leasing, advertising, and tenant-selection practices conform to fair housing requirements so that no affirmative finding of discriminatory practice is certified by the Fair Housing Officer. Operators should also be aware that any conciliation agreement reached with the City does not extinguish a complainant's independent right to bring a separate civil action under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 154-20 of Buffalo's Code of Ordinances gives tenants and housing applicants meaningful protections when they believe they have experienced housing discrimination. If the Fair Housing Officer certifies reasonable cause, the City can pursue fines, license revocations, and other relief against the accused party — but critically, this provision also preserves your independent right to file your own civil lawsuit for injunctive relief and damages, separate from any City-initiated action or conciliation agreement. Tenants who believe their fair housing rights have been violated may consider contacting Buffalo's Fair Housing Office, a local tenant-rights organization, or an attorney familiar with fair housing law to understand the range of enforcement paths available under this article.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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