Geneva, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 158 § 158-11
Unfair inducement to sell or rent; blockbusting; steering persons to particular areas
Operative Text
It is an unfair real estate practice for any owner, real estate agent, salesperson or employee, real estate broker, or any other person, to, for profit: A. Promote, induce, or attempt to promote or induce any person to sell or rent any real property by representation regarding the entry or prospective entry into the neighborhood or area of a person or persons of a particular race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, familial status, or disability; B. Show or otherwise take any action, the design or effect of which is to steer a person or persons to any section of the City or to particular real property in a manner tending to segregate or maintain segregation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, familial status, or disability.
Geneva, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 158 § 158-11 prohibits a specific set of profit-motivated real estate practices commonly known as 'blockbusting' and 'steering.' Blockbusting involves using representations about the demographic characteristics of people entering a neighborhood to pressure owners into selling or renting. Steering involves directing prospective buyers or renters toward or away from particular areas or properties in ways that tend to create or reinforce residential segregation based on protected characteristics such as race, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, familial status, or disability.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Geneva, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 158 § 158-11, compliant property owners and their agents avoid making any statements—written, verbal, or implied—that reference the demographic composition of a neighborhood as a reason to sell or rent. Operators generally ensure that all properties are shown and offered on a consistent, non-discriminatory basis regardless of the prospective tenant's or buyer's protected characteristics. Training staff and agents to recognize blockbusting and steering conduct is a common practice among operators seeking to remain in compliance with this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Geneva, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 158 § 158-11 gives prospective and current tenants protection against being directed toward or away from housing based on their race, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, familial status, or disability. If a tenant believes they have been steered or subjected to blockbusting tactics, general enforcement paths include filing a complaint with the relevant local or state fair housing authority or consulting a tenant-rights or fair housing organization for guidance. Documenting communications, property showings, and any statements made by agents or owners can be relevant when pursuing a complaint under this provision.
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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