There have been Updates in the City of Buffalo’s Fair Housing Ordinance, effective immediately, which now include significantly increased penalties for non-compliance—with fines starting at $2,500 and increasing up to $10,000 for each offense.

These fines can be imposed per individual act of discrimination, and the ordinance makes clear that each violation is considered a separate offense. Additionally, the City has the authority to suspend or revoke city licenses or permits issued to real estate professionals found in violation.

The links to detailed information can be found on the BNAR website under the REALTOR Resources

• Fair Housing Changes
• Ordinance Amendments
• Fee Increase

In case you missed it:  On April 9, 2025 Moderator John Leonardi, BNAR Chief Executive Officer, Todd Vaarwerk, WNY Independent Living,  Daniel Corbitt, Esq. Housing Opportunities Made Equal (H.O.M.E), Edwin Negron  US Bank, and Harold Cardell, Jr. Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency joined a lively panel discussion on how you can understand and use fair housing practices to help your business. Our panel of experts discussed individual rights, rights of persons with disabilities, enforcement, and training. Learn how fair housing relates to mortgage lending and how lenders are regulated, how to avoid steering, violations and more. Here is the link to the recorded session.