WEST BABYLON, NY--(Marketwire - May 31, 2007) - Dozens of Realtors® from the Long Island Board of Realtors®, a non-profit trade association representing real estate professionals from Nassau, Suffolk and Queens, staged a demonstration today on the steps of Islip Town Hall to voice their opposition to the recently passed ill conceived legislation that imposes illegal and unreasonable burdens on local real estate brokers and sales agents.
This law, which was passed last week and goes into effect on June 10th, makes it unlawful for a broker or agent to list, show, or offer for lease, rent or sale on behalf of the owner ANY dwelling unit which is not in full compliance with the Code of the Town of Islip.
Linda Bonarelli, President of the Long Island Board of Realtors®, said, "Our members have gathered today to argue that we are not trained in code enforcement and building inspection. It is not part of our required licensing courses determined by the Department of State, therefore placing Realtors® in an impossible position. The Town's building and code enforcement personnel have the experience and expertise to take on this responsibility."
In a prepared statement, Bonarelli said, "Realtors® do not condone illegal apartments or unsafe living conditions. However, the burden of policing those units extends beyond our capabilities and training as Realtors®."
The Long Island Board of Realtors® believes that it is the responsibility of the towns' building and code enforcement departments to enforce regulations, which would ensure that trained professionals with the appropriate background are in charge of overseeing compliance of Islip's Town Code.
Contact Information: Contact: Alyssa Nightingale 631.367.8599