Middletown, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 296 § 296-5
Statement of policy
Operative Text
A. In the City of Middletown, New York, with its population consisting of people of various races, creeds, colors and national origins, there is no greater danger to the health, morals, safety and welfare of the City and its inhabitants than the existence of groups and individuals reflecting prejudice against one another and antagonism toward each other because of differences of race, creed, color, sex, disability or national origin. The Common Council hereby finds and declares that acts of prejudice, intolerance, bigotry and discrimination which deny a person the opportunity to sell, purchase, lease, rent or obtain financing for the purchase or lease of housing accommodations because of race, creed, color, sex, disability or national origin threaten the fundamental rights and privileges of the inhabitants of the City of Middletown, New York, and undermine the foundation of a free and democratic state. The Common Council further declares it to be public policy of the City of Middletown, New York, to eliminate and prevent discrimination and involuntary segregation based on race, creed, color, sex, disability or national origin and to safeguard the right of every person to sell, purchase, lease, rent or obtain financing for the purchase or lease of housing accommodations without regard to race, creed, color, sex, disability or national origin. B. The Common Council of the City of Middletown, New York, further declares it to be public policy of the City of Middletown, New York, to offer assistance in the resettlement of all persons removed from their places of residence by programs of the City of Middletown, New York, provided that such removal shall not be for a violation of a City of Middletown, New York, ordinance, law or regulation. C. In accordance with this policy, it shall be the duty of all City officers, officials and employees to exercise any governmental function relating to the use, sale or occupancy of land, real property or housing accommodations in such a manner, consistent with law, that all discrimination is prevented.
Section 296-5 of Middletown, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 296 establishes the city's foundational fair-housing policy, declaring that discrimination in the sale, purchase, lease, rental, or financing of housing based on race, creed, color, sex, disability, or national origin is contrary to the public interest. The provision also commits the city to assisting residents displaced by municipal programs (except those removed for ordinance violations) in finding new housing. All city officers, officials, and employees are directed to carry out their governmental functions in ways that actively prevent such discrimination.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Middletown should be aware that § 296-5 reflects the city's explicit public policy against housing discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, disability, or national origin. Compliant operators generally apply consistent, non-discriminatory criteria when advertising, screening applicants, setting terms, and processing financing for any housing accommodation. Because this section establishes the policy framework underlying the rest of ch. 296, understanding it helps operators contextualize the more specific obligations found elsewhere in the chapter.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 296-5 affirms that every person in Middletown has a right to sell, purchase, lease, rent, or obtain financing for housing without facing discrimination based on race, creed, color, sex, disability, or national origin. Tenants who believe a city officer or official has acted in a discriminatory manner in connection with housing may reference this policy statement when raising concerns with city agencies or community organizations. Those displaced by a city program may also look to this provision's resettlement-assistance commitment as a basis for inquiring about available support, and tenant-rights organizations can help identify the appropriate channels for doing so.
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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