THE APPLICATION OF CIVIL RIGHTS LAWS TO HOUSING COOPERATIVES: ARE CO-OPS BASTIONS OF DISCRIMINATORY EXCLUSION OR SELF-SELECTING MODELS OF COMMUNITY-BASED LIVING?

Abstract

Despite one of the nation\u27s broadest civil rights laws for residents of housing cooperatives, few of New York City\u27s discrimination claims in the cooperative housing market are pursued. In this article, the authors provide an overview of the cooperative housing market in New York City, including anecdotal evidence of discrimination. Next, the article discusses the legal framework of the housing cooperative before a brief analysis of city, state and federal anti-discrimination laws applicable to cooperatives. Finally, the article undertakes an analysis of cases in which antidiscrimination laws have been applied to cooperatives. The author concludes with recommendations for cooperatives and prospective applicants