Attorney General Schneiderman sent a letter to Charter Communications this week, the company that recently acquired Time Warner Cable, urging them to honor Time Warner’s prior commitments regarding high-speed internet for its customers. Since the Attorney General launched his investigation into broadband speeds in October of 2015, he has determined that Time Warner Cable misled customers on the speed and reliability of its Internet service. In his letter, he urges Charter to take advantage of this opportunity to provide quality Internet service New Yorkers deserve.
Fighting Housing Discrimination
On Tuesday, Attorney General Schneiderman joined Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez in support of her proposed Landlord Accountability Act, which aims to end landlord discrimination against tenants with Section 8 housing vouchers. Along with members of the City Council and tenants who have suffered from Section 8 discrimination, the Attorney General vowed to continue protecting citizens who seek affordable and quality housing. Since 2011, the Attorney General has forced six real estate brokerage firms and two landlords to comply with local anti-discrimination laws and end discrimination against Section 8 housing vouchers.
Protecting Tenants Rights From Real Estate Developer Violations
The Attorney General reached a settlement with a Manhattan developer, 165 West 91st Street Holdings, LLC, for illegally buying out rent-stabilized tenants. An investigation by the Attorney General’s office revealed that the developer illegally bought out two of its tenants’ rent-stabilized units and then attempted to conceal the fraudulent transaction. The developer will pay $540,000 in penalties – $490,000 of which will go to the New York City Affordable Housing Fund.
Honoring the LGBT Community During Pride Month
Over the past few years, the Attorney General has worked hard to ensure equality for all LGBT New Yorkers, leading to a variety of victories on behalf of these communities. In honor of Pride Month, the Attorney General urged members of the LGBT community to know their rights and reminded New Yorkers that they do not tolerate discrimination on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation.
