By: Richard L. Smith
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and New Jersey's Division on Civil Rights (DCR) announced a probable cause finding against Avenel-based Adoni Property Group, LLC, and its leasing agent, Legacy Realty Group.
The companies are accused of imposing restrictive minimum-income requirements that allegedly discriminate against low-income, Black, and Hispanic applicants, in violation of the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD).
The case arose after a Black woman was denied an affordable housing unit by Adoni and Legacy.
Despite meeting the income qualifications for affordable housing, her application was rejected due to policies requiring an after-tax income of three times the rent and a bank balance of five times the rent.
The DCR investigation found that these criteria disproportionately impact low-income Black and Hispanic applicants.
DCR Director Sundeep Iyer emphasized that New Jersey’s antidiscrimination laws protect low-income individuals from unjust housing barriers.
Attorney General Platkin reiterated the commitment to enforcing civil rights in housing access.
The investigation remains ongoing.
The companies have the chance to resolve the issue through conciliation; otherwise, a Deputy Attorney General may prosecute the case.