Weekly Real Estate News
Summary
A Queens couple sued Douglas Elliman, a former agent and property owners after allegedly receiving a discriminatory text before an apartment showing. The brokerage says the agent is no longer affiliated. The claims have not been adjudicated, and the complete complaint has not been independently retrieved.
A couple has filed a housing discrimination lawsuit against Douglas Elliman, a former affiliated agent and property owners after allegedly receiving a racially discriminatory text shortly before an apartment showing in Queens, New York.
Lisa Renee Olaso and Cyril Christopher allege that agent Helen Tzelios sent a text referring negatively to the couple’s race as they arrived to tour the apartment in June. According to People’s October 23 report, the couple sued during the week of October 19.
Brokerage responds to allegations
The couple says the agent apologized after the text and that they declined to proceed with the showing. The lawsuit alleges violations of fair housing protections. The allegations have not been established in court, and WRE News has not independently reviewed the complete complaint.
Douglas Elliman told reporters that it learned of the allegations upon being served and ended the agent’s affiliation within an hour. The company said it has a zero-tolerance policy toward discrimination.
The case highlights fair housing obligations for agents, landlords and brokerages, including the importance of nondiscriminatory treatment of prospective renters. The federal Fair Housing Act and New York law prohibit housing discrimination based on race and other protected characteristics.
Additional reporting: Gothamist.
