Gov. Cuomo has ordered a multiagency investigation into whether landlords across the state are discriminating against immigrants — including asking them to prove their citizenship or face eviction.
The Daily News reported exclusively on Sunday night that 23 apartments in a building on 42nd Ave. near Junction Blvd. in Corona, Queens had received such a letter.
“If you fail to comply, we may have to terminate your lease and may have to evict you from the apartment,” the notice read.
Cuomo directed the state Division on Human Rights and departments of State and Homes and Community Renewal to investigate the actions at the building, which is owned by Jaideep Reddy of Long Island. Cuomo said the probe would also seek to determine whether a broader problem exists statewide. And the state will create an education campaign for landlords and tenants.
“These allegations of fear and intimidation are unacceptable, illegal, and run counter to everything New York represents,” Cuomo said.
The existence of the letter became public after a constituent complained to state Sen. Jose Peralta (D-Queens) last week.
A furious Peralta filed a complaint Monday with the office of state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.