Cuomo outlines housing discrimination "spies" plan

Gov. Andrew Cuomo says the state will be launching an enforcement program that tests for discrimination in home rentals and sales.

"Rule number one in New York: we do not tolerate discrimination. Period," says Cuomo.

Three housing agencies have been hired to send people with diverse backgrounds out as testers in the rental and home sale markets. The testers will present themselves as potential renters or home buyers and be on the lookout for bias among sellers and landlords.

Cuomo made the announcement Sunday.

The three agencies work in Buffalo, Syracuse, and Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties.

Cuomo said he also asked the Division of Human Rights and the Department of State to come up with new regulations to strengthen anti-discrimination enforcement.

With the Associated Press