A Long Island couple has initiated legal action against a real estate agent, alleging racial discrimination following an inappropriate text message that was reportedly sent before a scheduled apartment viewing. Lisa Renee Olaso and her fiancée Cyril Christopher claim that the agent, Helen Tzelios, sent a text stating, “Ugh they are Black,” prior to their planned visit to an apartment this past June. The couple’s experience has raised serious concerns over discriminatory practices within the housing market.
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The lawsuit was filed in Queens on Wednesday, naming not only Tzelios but also the property owners and Tzelios’ former employer, Douglas Elliman. Olaso and Christopher are contending that Tzelios’ comments contributed to an hostile environment that led them to cancel their scheduled viewing. The suit cites violations of the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, religion, and other characteristics, as well as the New York City Human Rights Law.
In a news conference held on Thursday at their attorney’s office in Hauppauge, Olaso recounted the distressing moment she received the message while settling down to prepare for the viewing. They had travelled from Delaware after Olaso secured a job in the city. Through tears, she described her disbelief at the message, implying it was a grotesque misunderstanding on Tzelios’s part.
Attorney Kenneth Mollins shared a screenshot of the text message and noted that Tzelios later apologised, claiming the message was sent in error and that it was simply a “misunderstanding.” However, according to the couple’s complaint, Tzelios later suggested that there had been “prior problems” with previous Black tenants in the area, which further compounded Olaso’s feelings of humiliation and distress.
“What does that have to do with us?” questioned Olaso during the press conference, expressing her frustration with the discriminatory implications of Tzelios’s words. Christopher added, “Once you said ‘Ugh’ you showed you discriminated against us. What difference does it make?”
The couple decided against proceeding with the viewing and subsequently blocked Tzelios from further communication. In a statement made to PEOPLE, a representative from Douglas Elliman said that the company was unaware of the incident until they were served with the lawsuit. They confirmed that Tzelios was an independent contractor and that she was terminated just hours after the lawsuit was filed. The company affirmatively stated that it has a zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination of any type.
At the time of the press briefing, Tzelios had not responded to any media inquiries seeking her perspective on the allegations. Meanwhile, Olaso and Christopher, who have now moved to Commack, voiced their commitment to addressing racist practices in housing and want to ensure such incidents do not happen to others in the future.
Mollins emphasised that fair housing laws are not merely suggestions but are imperative civil rights mandates. He highlighted a crucial point, stating that racism often manifests in subtle forms, particularly in situations where individuals have the power to determine whether someone can access a home or community.
The case has underscored the pervasive issue of racial discrimination in housing markets, raising awareness of how even indirect comments can reinforce a discriminatory system. The couple hopes that their legal action will not only address their grievances but also contribute to broader changes in housing policies and societal attitudes toward race.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the case stands as a stark reminder of the challenges many still face in securing equitable treatment in housing. It highlights the continuing need for vigilance and accountability amongst those in leadership positions within the real estate industry.