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Housing Discrimination Alleged In Northern Suburbs

WHITE PLAINS, NY (WCBS 880) - They had the same finances and went to the same realtors, but Westchester Residential Opportunities' (WRO) Marlene Zarfes says the darker the skin, the more they were discriminated against when it came to renting.

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WCBS 880's Catherine Cioffi reports from White Plains.

The findings - a 17.5% rate of discrimination in Westchester County.

"Sometimes, the protected tester was not even shown any units," Zarfes told WCBS 880 reporter Catherine Cioffi.

WRO also tested Rockland and Putnam counties. Rockland had a 34.6% rate of discrimination and Putnam had a 14.3% rate of discrimination.

"Choice of housing is one of the most crucial and influential decisions in life," says Zarfes.

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