(Pub. L. 90–284, title VIII, § 801, Apr. 11, 1968, 82 Stat. 81.)
Federal Laws Pertinent to Civil Rights Litigation
Fair Housing Act (FHA)
42 USC §3601 | DECLARATION OF POLICY
42 USC §3602 | DEFINITIONS
(b) “Dwelling” means any building, structure, or portion thereof which is occupied as, or designed or intended for occupancy as, a residence by one or more families, and any vacant land which is offered for sale or lease for the construction or location thereon of any such building, structure, or portion thereof.
(c) “Family” includes a single individual.
(d) “Person” includes one or more individuals, corporations, partnerships, associations, labor organizations, legal representatives, mutual companies, joint-stock companies, trusts, unincorporated organizations, trustees, trustees in cases under title 11, receivers, and fiduciaries.
(e) “To rent” includes to lease, to sublease, to let and otherwise to grant for a consideration the right to occupy premises not owned by the occupant.
(f) “Discriminatory housing practice” means an act that is unlawful under section 3604, 3605, 3606, or 3617 of this title.
(g) “State” means any of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any of the territories and possessions of the United States.
(h) “Handicap” means, with respect to a person —
(2) a record of having such an impairment, or
(3) being regarded as having such an impairment, but such term does not include current, illegal use of or addiction to a controlled substance (as defined in section 802 of title 21).
(2) believes that such person will be injured by a discriminatory housing practice that is about to occur.
(k) “Familial status” means one or more individuals (who have not attained the age of 18 years) being domiciled with —
(2) the designee of such parent or other person having such custody, with the written permission of such parent or other person.
(l) “Conciliation” means the attempted resolution of issues raised by a complaint, or by the investigation of such complaint, through informal negotiations involving the aggrieved person, the respondent, and the Secretary.
(m) “Conciliation agreement” means a written agreement setting forth the resolution of the issues in conciliation.
(n) “Respondent” means —
(2) any other person or entity identified in the course of investigation and notified as required with respect to respondents so identified under section 3610(a) of this title.
(Pub. L. 90–284, title VIII, § 802, Apr. 11, 1968, 82 Stat. 81; Pub. L. 95–598, title III, § 331, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2679; Pub. L. 100–430, § 5, Sept. 13, 1988, 102 Stat. 1619.)
42 USC §3603 | EFFECTIVE DATES OF CERTAIN PROHIBITIONS
(a) Application to certain described dwellings
Subject to the provisions of subsection (b) and section 3607 of this title, the prohibitions against discrimination in the sale or rental of housing set forth in section 3604 of this title shall apply:(B) dwellings provided in whole or in part with the aid of loans, advances, grants, or contributions made by the Federal Government, under agreements entered into after November 20, 1962, unless payment due thereon has been made in full prior to April 11, 1968;
(C) dwellings provided in whole or in part by loans insured, guaranteed, or otherwise secured by the credit of the Federal Government, under agreements entered into after November 20, 1962, unless payment thereon has been made in full prior to April 11, 1968: Provided, That nothing contained in subparagraphs (B) and (C) of this subsection shall be applicable to dwellings solely by virtue of the fact that they are subject to mortgages held by an FDIC or FSLIC institution; and
(D) dwellings provided by the development or the redevelopment of real property purchased, rented, or otherwise obtained from a State or local public agency receiving Federal financial assistance for slum clearance or urban renewal with respect to such real property under loan or grant contracts entered into after November 20, 1962.
(b) Exemptions
Nothing in section 3604 of this title (other than subsection (c)) shall apply to —(2) rooms or units in dwellings containing living quarters occupied or intended to be occupied by no more than four families living independently of each other, if the owner actually maintains and occupies one of such living quarters as his residence.
(c) Business of selling or renting dwellings defined
For the purposes of subsection (b), a person shall be deemed to be in the business of selling or renting dwellings if —(2) he has, within the preceding twelve months, participated as agent, other than in the sale of his own personal residence in providing sales or rental facilities or sales or rental services in two or more transactions involving the sale or rental of any dwelling or any interest therein, or
(3) he is the owner of any dwelling designed or intended for occupancy by, or occupied by, five or more families.
(Pub. L. 90–284, title VIII, § 803, Apr. 11, 1968, 82 Stat. 82.)
42 USC §3604 | DISCRIMINATION IN THE SALE OR RENTAL OF HOUSING AND OTHER PROHIBITED PRACTICES
(b) To discriminate against any person in the terms, conditions, or privileges of sale or rental of a dwelling, or in the provision of services or facilities in connection therewith, because of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, or national origin.
(c) To make, print, or publish, or cause to be made, printed, or published any notice, statement, or advertisement, with respect to the sale or rental of a dwelling that indicates any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.
(d) To represent to any person because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin that any dwelling is not available for inspection, sale, or rental when such dwelling is in fact so available.
(e) For profit, to induce or attempt to induce any person to sell or rent any dwelling by representations regarding the entry or prospective entry into the neighborhood of a person or persons of a particular race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.
(f)
(B) a person residing in or intending to reside in that dwelling after it is so sold, rented, or made available; or
(C) any person associated with that buyer or renter.
(B) a person residing in or intending to reside in that dwelling after it is so sold, rented, or made available; or
(C) any person associated with that person.
(B) a refusal to make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices, or services, when such accommodations may be necessary to afford such person equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling; or
(C) in connection with the design and construction of covered multifamily dwellings for first occupancy after the date that is 30 months after September 13, 1988, a failure to design and construct those dwellings in such a manner that —
(ii) all the doors designed to allow passage into and within all premises within such dwellings are sufficiently wide to allow passage by handicapped persons in wheelchairs; and
(iii) all premises within such dwellings contain the following features of adaptive design:
(II) light switches, electrical outlets, thermostats, and other environmental controls in accessible locations;
(III) reinforcements in bathroom walls to allow later installation of grab bars; and
(IV) usable kitchens and bathrooms such that an individual in a wheelchair can maneuver about the space.
(5)
(B) A State or unit of general local government may review and approve newly constructed covered multifamily dwellings for the purpose of making determinations as to whether the design and construction requirements of paragraph (3)(C) are met.
(C) The Secretary shall encourage, but may not require, States and units of local government to include in their existing procedures for the review and approval of newly constructed covered multifamily dwellings, determinations as to whether the design and construction of such dwellings are consistent with paragraph (3)(C), and shall provide technical assistance to States and units of local government and other persons to implement the requirements of paragraph (3)(C).
(D) Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to require the Secretary to review or approve the plans, designs or construction of all covered multifamily dwellings, to determine whether the design and construction of such dwellings are consistent with the requirements of paragraph 3(C).
(B) Determinations by a State or a unit of general local government under paragraphs (5)(A) and (B) shall not be conclusive in enforcement proceedings under this subchapter.
(B) ground floor units in other buildings consisting of 4 or more units.
(9) Nothing in this subsection requires that a dwelling be made available to an individual whose tenancy would constitute a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals or whose tenancy would result in substantial physical damage to the property of others.
(Pub. L. 90–284, title VIII, § 804, Apr. 11, 1968, 82 Stat. 83; Pub. L. 93–383, title VIII, § 808(b)(1), Aug. 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 729; Pub. L. 100–430, §§ 6(a)–(b)(2), (e), 15, Sept. 13, 1988, 102 Stat. 1620, 1622, 1623, 1636.)
42 USC §3605 | DISCRIMINATION IN RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE-RELATED TRANSACTIONS
(a) In general
It shall be unlawful for any person or other entity whose business includes engaging in residential real estate-related transactions to discriminate against any person in making available such a transaction, or in the terms or conditions of such a transaction, because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.(b) “Residential real estate-related transaction” defined
As used in this section, the term “residential real estate-related transaction” means any of the following:(B) secured by residential real estate.
(c) Appraisal exemption
Nothing in this subchapter prohibits a person engaged in the business of furnishing appraisals of real property to take into consideration factors other than race, color, religion, national origin, sex, handicap, or familial status.(Pub. L. 90–284, title VIII, § 805, Apr. 11, 1968, 82 Stat. 83; Pub. L. 93–383, title VIII, § 808(b)(2), Aug. 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 729; Pub. L. 100–430, § 6(c), Sept. 13, 1988, 102 Stat. 1622.)
42 USC §3606 | DISCRIMINATION IN THE PROVISION OF BROKERAGE SERVICES
(Pub. L. 90–284, title VIII, § 806, Apr. 11, 1968, 82 Stat. 84; Pub. L. 93–383, title VIII, § 808(b)(3), Aug. 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 729; Pub. L. 100–430, § 6(b)(1), Sept. 13, 1988, 102 Stat. 1622.)
42 USC §3607 | RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION OR PRIVATE CLUB EXEMPTION
(b)
(2) As used in this section, “housing for older persons” means housing —
(B) intended for, and solely occupied by, persons 62 years of age or older; or
(C) intended and operated for occupancy by persons 55 years of age or older, and —
(ii) the housing facility or community publishes and adheres to policies and procedures that demonstrate the intent required under this subparagraph; and
(iii) the housing facility or community complies with rules issued by the Secretary for verification of occupancy, which shall —
(II) include examples of the types of policies and procedures relevant to a determination of compliance with the requirement of clause (ii). Such surveys and affidavits shall be admissible in administrative and judicial proceedings for the purposes of such verification.
(B) unoccupied units: Provided, That such units are reserved for occupancy by persons who meet the age requirements of subsections 1 (2)(B) or (C).
(5)
(B) For the purposes of this paragraph, a person may only show good faith reliance on the application of the exemption by showing that — (i) such person has no actual knowledge that the facility or community is not, or will not be, eligible for such exemption; and
(ii) the facility or community has stated formally, in writing, that the facility or community complies with the requirements for such exemption.
(Pub. L. 90–284, title VIII, § 807, Apr. 11, 1968, 82 Stat. 84; Pub. L. 100–430, § 6(d), Sept. 13, 1988, 102 Stat. 1622; Pub. L. 104–76, §§ 2, 3, Dec. 28, 1995, 109 Stat. 787.)
42 USC §3608 | ADMINISTRATION
(a) Authority and responsibility
The authority and responsibility for administering this Act shall be in the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.(b) Assistant Secretary
The Department of Housing and Urban Development shall be provided an additional Assistant Secretary.(c) Delegation of authority; appointment of administrative law judges; location of conciliation meetings; administrative review
The Secretary may delegate any of his functions, duties, and powers to employees of the Department of Housing and Urban Development or to boards of such employees, including functions, duties, and powers with respect to investigating, conciliating, hearing, determining, ordering, certifying, reporting, or otherwise acting as to any work, business, or matter under this subchapter. The person to whom such delegations are made with respect to hearing functions, duties, and powers shall be appointed and shall serve in the Department of Housing and Urban Development in compliance with sections 3105, 3344, 5372, and 7521 of title 5. Insofar as possible, conciliation meetings shall be held in the cities or other localities where the discriminatory housing practices allegedly occurred. The Secretary shall by rule prescribe such rights of appeal from the decisions of his administrative law judges to other administrative law judges or to other officers in the Department, to boards of officers or to himself, as shall be appropriate and in accordance with law.(d) Cooperation of Secretary and executive departments and agencies in administration of housing and urban development programs and activities to further fair housing purposes
All executive departments and agencies shall administer their programs and activities relating to housing and urban development (including any Federal agency having regulatory or supervisory authority over financial institutions) in a manner affirmatively to further the purposes of this subchapter and shall cooperate with the Secretary to further such purposes.(e) Functions of Secretary
The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall —(2) publish and disseminate reports, recommendations, and information derived from such studies, including an annual report to the Congress —
(B) containing tabulations of the number of instances (and the reasons therefor) in the preceding year in which —
(ii) determinations are not made within the time specified in section 3610(g) of this title; and
(iii) hearings are not commenced or findings and conclusions are not made as required by section 3612(g) of this title;
(4) cooperate with and render such technical and other assistance to the Community Relations Service as may be appropriate to further its activities in preventing or eliminating discriminatory housing practices;
(5) administer the programs and activities relating to housing and urban development in a manner affirmatively to further the policies of this subchapter; and
(6) annually report to the Congress, and make available to the public, data on the race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, and family characteristics of persons and households who are applicants for, participants in, or beneficiaries or potential beneficiaries of, programs administered by the Department to the extent such characteristics are within the coverage of the provisions of law and Executive orders referred to in subsection (f) which apply to such programs (and in order to develop the data to be included and made available to the public under this subsection, the Secretary shall, without regard to any other provision of law, collect such information relating to those characteristics as the Secretary determines to be necessary or appropriate).
(f) Provisions of law applicable to Department programs
The provisions of law and Executive orders to which subsection (e)(6) applies are —(2) this subchapter;
(3) section 794 of title 29;
(4) the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 [42 U.S.C. 6101 et seq.];
(5) the Equal Credit Opportunity Act [15 U.S.C. 1691 et seq.];
(6) section 1982 of this title;
(7) section 637(a) of title 15;
(8) section 1735f–5 of title 12;
(9) section 5309 of this title;
(10) section 1701u of title 12;
(11) Executive orders 11063, 11246, 11625, 12250, 12259, and 12432; and
(12) any other provision of law which the Secretary specifies by publication in the Federal Register for the purpose of this subsection.
(Pub. L. 90–284, title VIII, § 808, Apr. 11, 1968, 82 Stat. 84; Pub. L. 95–251, § 3, Mar. 27, 1978, 92 Stat. 184; Pub. L. 95–454, title VIII, § 801(a)(3)(J), Oct. 13, 1978, 92 Stat. 1222; Pub. L. 100–430, § 7, Sept. 13, 1988, 102 Stat. 1623.)
42 USC §3608a | COLLECTION OF CERTAIN DATA
(a) In general
To assess the extent of compliance with Federal fair housing requirements (including the requirements established under title VI of Public Law 88–352 [42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.] and title VIII of Public Law 90–284 [42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.]), the Secretary of Agriculture shall collect, not less than annually, data on the racial and ethnic characteristics of persons eligible for, assisted, or otherwise benefiting under each community development, housing assistance, and mortgage and loan insurance and guarantee program administered by such Secretary. Such data shall be collected on a building by building basis if the Secretary determines such collection to be appropriate.(b) Reports to Congress
The Secretary of Agriculture shall include in the annual report of such Secretary to the Congress a summary and evaluation of the data collected by such Secretary under subsection (a) during the preceding year.(Pub. L. 100–242, title V, § 562, Feb. 5, 1988, 101 Stat. 1944; Pub. L. 104–66, title I, § 1071(e), Dec. 21, 1995, 109 Stat. 720.)
42 USC §3609 | EDUCATION AND CONCILIATION; CONFERENCES AND CONSULTATIONS; REPORTS
(Pub. L. 90–284, title VIII, § 809, Apr. 11, 1968, 82 Stat. 85.)
42 USC §3610 | ADMINISTRATIVE ENFORCEMENT; PRELIMINARY MATTERS
(a) Complaints and answers
(ii) Such complaints shall be in writing and shall contain such information and be in such form as the Secretary requires.
(iii) The Secretary may also investigate housing practices to determine whether a complaint should be brought under this section.
(ii) the Secretary shall, not later than 10 days after such filing or the identification of an additional respondent under paragraph (2), serve on the respondent a notice identifying the alleged discriminatory housing practice and advising such respondent of the procedural rights and obligations of respondents under this subchapter, together with a copy of the original complaint;
(iii) each respondent may file, not later than 10 days after receipt of notice from the Secretary, an answer to such complaint; and
(iv) the Secretary shall make an investigation of the alleged discriminatory housing practice and complete such investigation within 100 days after the filing of the complaint (or, when the Secretary takes further action under subsection (f)(2) with respect to a complaint, within 100 days after the commencement of such further action), unless it is impracticable to do so.
(D) Complaints and answers shall be under oath or affirmation, and may be reasonably and fairly amended at any time.
(B) Such notice, in addition to meeting the requirements of paragraph (1), shall explain the basis for the Secretary’s belief that the person to whom the notice is addressed is properly joined as a respondent.
(b) Investigative report and conciliation
(2) A conciliation agreement arising out of such conciliation shall be an agreement between the respondent and the complainant, and shall be subject to approval by the Secretary.
(3) A conciliation agreement may provide for binding arbitration of the dispute arising from the complaint. Any such arbitration that results from a conciliation agreement may award appropriate relief, including monetary relief.
(4) Each conciliation agreement shall be made public unless the complainant and respondent otherwise agree and the Secretary determines that disclosure is not required to further the purposes of this subchapter.
(5)
(ii) a summary and the dates of correspondence and other contacts with the aggrieved person and the respondent;
(iii) a summary description of other pertinent records;
(iv) a summary of witness statements; and
(v) answers to interrogatories.
(c) Failure to comply with conciliation agreement
Whenever the Secretary has reasonable cause to believe that a respondent has breached a conciliation agreement, the Secretary shall refer the matter to the Attorney General with a recommendation that a civil action be filed under section 3614 of this title for the enforcement of such agreement.(d) Prohibitions and requirements with respect to disclosure of information
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Secretary shall make available to the aggrieved person and the respondent, at any time, upon request following completion of the Secretary’s investigation, information derived from an investigation and any final investigative report relating to that investigation.
(e) Prompt judicial action
(2) Whenever the Secretary has reason to believe that a basis may exist for the commencement of proceedings against any respondent under sections 3614(a) and 3614(c) of this title or for proceedings by any governmental licensing or supervisory authorities, the Secretary shall transmit the information upon which such belief is based to the Attorney General, or to such authorities, as the case may be.
(f) Referral for State or local proceedings
(B) as to which such agency has been certified by the Secretary under this subsection;
(2) Except with the consent of such certified agency, the Secretary, after that referral is made, shall take no further action with respect to such complaint unless —
(B) the certified agency, having so commenced such proceedings, fails to carry forward such proceedings with reasonable promptness; or
(C) the Secretary determines that the certified agency no longer qualifies for certification under this subsection with respect to the relevant jurisdiction.
(ii) the procedures followed by such agency;
(iii) the remedies available to such agency; and
(iv) the availability of judicial review of such agency’s action; are substantially equivalent to those created by and under this subchapter.
(5) Not less frequently than every 5 years, the Secretary shall determine whether each agency certified under this subsection continues to qualify for certification. The Secretary shall take appropriate action with respect to any agency not so qualifying.
(g) Reasonable cause determination and effect
(2)
(B) Such charge —
(ii) shall be based on the final investigative report; and
(iii) need not be limited to the facts or grounds alleged in the complaint filed under subsection (a).
(4) The Secretary may not issue a charge under this section regarding an alleged discriminatory housing practice after the beginning of the trial of a civil action commenced by the aggrieved party under an Act of Congress or a State law, seeking relief with respect to that discriminatory housing practice.
(h) Service of copies of charge
(2) on each aggrieved person on whose behalf the complaint was filed.
(Pub. L. 90–284, title VIII, § 810, as added Pub. L. 100–430, § 8(2), Sept. 13, 1988, 102 Stat. 1625.)
42 USC §3611 | SUBPOENAS; GIVING OF EVIDENCE
(a) In general
The Secretary may, in accordance with this subsection, issue subpoenas and order discovery in aid of investigations and hearings under this subchapter. Such subpoenas and discovery may be ordered to the same extent and subject to the same limitations as would apply if the subpoenas or discovery were ordered or served in aid of a civil action in the United States district court for the district in which the investigation is taking place.(b) Witness fees
Witnesses summoned by a subpoena under this subchapter shall be entitled to the same witness and mileage fees as witnesses in proceedings in United States district courts. Fees payable to a witness summoned by a subpoena issued at the request of a party shall be paid by that party or, where a party is unable to pay the fees, by the Secretary.(c) Criminal penalties
(2) Any person who, with intent thereby to mislead another person in any proceeding under this subchapter —
(B) willfully neglects or fails to make or to cause to be made full, true, and correct entries in such reports, accounts, records, or other documents; or
(C) willfully mutilates, alters, or by any other means falsifies any documentary evidence; shall be fined not more than $100,000 or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.
(Pub. L. 90–284, title VIII, § 811, as added Pub. L. 100–430, § 8(2), Sept. 13, 1988, 102 Stat. 1628.)
42 USC §3612 | ENFORCEMENT BY SECRETARY
(a) Election of judicial determination
When a charge is filed under section 3610 of this title, a complainant, a respondent, or an aggrieved person on whose behalf the complaint was filed, may elect to have the claims asserted in that charge decided in a civil action under subsection (o) in lieu of a hearing under subsection (b). The election must be made not later than 20 days after the receipt by the electing person of service under section 3610(h) of this title or, in the case of the Secretary, not later than 20 days after such service. The person making such election shall give notice of doing so to the Secretary and to all other complainants and respondents to whom the charge relates.(b) Administrative law judge hearing in absence of election
If an election is not made under subsection (a) with respect to a charge filed under section 3610 of this title, the Secretary shall provide an opportunity for a hearing on the record with respect to a charge issued under section 3610 of this title. The Secretary shall delegate the conduct of a hearing under this section to an administrative law judge appointed under section 3105 of title 5. The administrative law judge shall conduct the hearing at a place in the vicinity in which the discriminatory housing practice is alleged to have occurred or to be about to occur.(c) Rights of parties
At a hearing under this section, each party may appear in person, be represented by counsel, present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and obtain the issuance of subpoenas under section 3611 of this title. Any aggrieved person may intervene as a party in the proceeding. The Federal Rules of Evidence apply to the presentation of evidence in such hearing as they would in a civil action in a United States district court.(d) Expedited discovery and hearing
(2) A hearing under this section shall be conducted as expeditiously and inexpensively as possible, consistent with the needs and rights of the parties to obtain a fair hearing and a complete record.
(3) The Secretary shall, not later than 180 days after September 13, 1988, issue rules to implement this subsection.
(e) Resolution of charge
Any resolution of a charge before a final order under this section shall require the consent of the aggrieved person on whose behalf the charge is issued.(f) Effect of trial of civil action on administrative proceedings
An administrative law judge may not continue administrative proceedings under this section regarding any alleged discriminatory housing practice after the beginning of the trial of a civil action commenced by the aggrieved party under an Act of Congress or a State law, seeking relief with respect to that discriminatory housing practice.(g) Hearings, findings and conclusions, and order
(2) The administrative law judge shall make findings of fact and conclusions of law within 60 days after the end of the hearing under this section, unless it is impracticable to do so. If the administrative law judge is unable to make findings of fact and conclusions of law within such period, or any succeeding 60-day period thereafter, the administrative law judge shall notify the Secretary, the aggrieved person on whose behalf the charge was filed, and the respondent, in writing of the reasons for not doing so.
(3) If the administrative law judge finds that a respondent has engaged or is about to engage in a discriminatory housing practice, such administrative law judge shall promptly issue an order for such relief as may be appropriate, which may include actual damages suffered by the aggrieved person and injunctive or other equitable relief. Such order may, to vindicate the public interest, assess a civil penalty against the respondent —
(B) in an amount not exceeding $25,000 if the respondent has been adjudged to have committed one other discriminatory housing practice during the 5-year period ending on the date of the filing of this charge; and
(C) in an amount not exceeding $50,000 if the respondent has been adjudged to have committed 2 or more discriminatory housing practices during the 7-year period ending on the date of the filing of this charge; except that if the acts constituting the discriminatory housing practice that is the object of the charge are committed by the same natural person who has been previously adjudged to have committed acts constituting a discriminatory housing practice, then the civil penalties set forth in subparagraphs (B) and (C) may be imposed without regard to the period of time within which any subsequent discriminatory housing practice occurred.
(5) In the case of an order with respect to a discriminatory housing practice that occurred in the course of a business subject to a licensing or regulation by a governmental agency, the Secretary shall, not later than 30 days after the date of the issuance of such order (or, if such order is judicially reviewed, 30 days after such order is in substance affirmed upon such review) —
(B) recommend to that governmental agency appropriate disciplinary action (including, where appropriate, the suspension or revocation of the license of the respondent).
(7) If the administrative law judge finds that the respondent has not engaged or is not about to engage in a discriminatory housing practice, as the case may be, such administrative law judge shall enter an order dismissing the charge. The Secretary shall make public disclosure of each such dismissal.
(h) Review by Secretary; service of final order
(2) The Secretary shall cause the findings of fact and conclusions of law made with respect to any final order for relief under this section, together with a copy of such order, to be served on each aggrieved person and each respondent in the proceeding.
(i) Judicial review
(2) Notwithstanding such chapter, venue of the proceeding shall be in the judicial circuit in which the discriminatory housing practice is alleged to have occurred, and filing of the petition for review shall be not later than 30 days after the order is entered.
(j) Court enforcement of administrative order upon petition by Secretary
(2) The Secretary shall file in court with the petition the record in the proceeding. A copy of such petition shall be forthwith transmitted by the clerk of the court to the parties to the proceeding before the administrative law judge.
(k) Relief which may be granted
(B) affirm, modify, or set aside, in whole or in part, the order, or remand the order for further proceedings; and
(C) enforce such order to the extent that such order is affirmed or modified.
(3) No objection not made before the administrative law judge shall be considered by the court, unless the failure or neglect to urge such objection is excused because of extraordinary circumstances.
(l) Enforcement decree in absence of petition for review
If no petition for review is filed under subsection (i) before the expiration of 45 days after the date the administrative law judge’s order is entered, the administrative law judge’s findings of fact and order shall be conclusive in connection with any petition for enforcement —(2) under subsection (m).
(m) Court enforcement of administrative order upon petition of any person entitled to relief
If before the expiration of 60 days after the date the administrative law judge’s order is entered, no petition for review has been filed under subsection (i), and the Secretary has not sought enforcement of the order under subsection (j), any person entitled to relief under the order may petition for a decree enforcing the order in the United States court of appeals for the circuit in which the discriminatory housing practice is alleged to have occurred.(n) Entry of decree
The clerk of the court of appeals in which a petition for enforcement is filed under subsection (l) or (m) shall forthwith enter a decree enforcing the order and shall transmit a copy of such decree to the Secretary, the respondent named in the petition, and to any other parties to the proceeding before the administrative law judge.(o) Civil action for enforcement when election is made for such civil action
(2) Any aggrieved person with respect to the issues to be determined in a civil action under this subsection may intervene as of right in that civil action.
(3) In a civil action under this subsection, if the court finds that a discriminatory housing practice has occurred or is about to occur, the court may grant as relief any relief which a court could grant with respect to such discriminatory housing practice in a civil action under section 3613 of this title. Any relief so granted that would accrue to an aggrieved person in a civil action commenced by that aggrieved person under section 3613 of this title shall also accrue to that aggrieved person in a civil action under this subsection. If monetary relief is sought for the benefit of an aggrieved person who does not intervene in the civil action, the court shall not award such relief if that aggrieved person has not complied with discovery orders entered by the court.
(p) Attorney’s fees
In any administrative proceeding brought under this section, or any court proceeding arising therefrom, or any civil action under this section, the administrative law judge or the court, as the case may be, in its discretion, may allow the prevailing party, other than the United States, a reasonable attorney’s fee and costs. The United States shall be liable for such fees and costs to the extent provided by section 504 of title 5 or by section 2412 of title 28.(Pub. L. 90–284, title VIII, § 812, as added Pub. L. 100–430, § 8(2), Sept. 13, 1988, 102 Stat. 1629.)
42 USC §3613 | ENFORCEMENT BY PRIVATE PERSONS
(a) Civil action
(B) The computation of such 2-year period shall not include any time during which an administrative proceeding under this subchapter was pending with respect to a complaint or charge under this subchapter based upon such discriminatory housing practice. This subparagraph does not apply to actions arising from a breach of a conciliation agreement.
(3) An aggrieved person may not commence a civil action under this subsection with respect to an alleged discriminatory housing practice which forms the basis of a charge issued by the Secretary if an administrative law judge has commenced a hearing on the record under this subchapter with respect to such charge.
(b) Appointment of attorney by court
Upon application by a person alleging a discriminatory housing practice or a person against whom such a practice is alleged, the court may —(2) authorize the commencement or continuation of a civil action under subsection (a) without the payment of fees, costs, or security, if in the opinion of the court such person is financially unable to bear the costs of such action.
(c) Relief which may be granted
(2) In a civil action under subsection (a), the court, in its discretion, may allow the prevailing party, other than the United States, a reasonable attorney’s fee and costs. The United States shall be liable for such fees and costs to the same extent as a private person.
(d) Effect on certain sales, encumbrances, and rentals
Relief granted under this section shall not affect any contract, sale, encumbrance, or lease consummated before the granting of such relief and involving a bona fide purchaser, encumbrancer, or tenant, without actual notice of the filing of a complaint with the Secretary or civil action under this subchapter.(e) Intervention by Attorney General
Upon timely application, the Attorney General may intervene in such civil action, if the Attorney General certifies that the case is of general public importance. Upon such intervention the Attorney General may obtain such relief as would be available to the Attorney General under section 3614(e) of this title in a civil action to which such section applies.(Pub. L. 90–284, title VIII, § 813, as added Pub. L. 100–430, § 8(2), Sept. 13, 1988, 102 Stat. 1633.)
42 USC §3614 | ENFORCEMENT BY ATTORNEY GENERAL
(a) Pattern or practice cases
Whenever the Attorney General has reasonable cause to believe that any person or group of persons is engaged in a pattern or practice of resistance to the full enjoyment of any of the rights granted by this subchapter, or that any group of persons has been denied any of the rights granted by this subchapter and such denial raises an issue of general public importance, the Attorney General may commence a civil action in any appropriate United States district court.(b) On referral of discriminatory housing practice or conciliation agreement for enforcement
(B) A civil action under this paragraph may be commenced not later than the expiration of 18 months after the date of the occurrence or the termination of the alleged discriminatory housing practice.
(B) A civil action may be commenced under this paragraph not later than the expiration of 90 days after the referral of the alleged breach under section 3610(c) of this title.
(c) Enforcement of subpoenas
The Attorney General, on behalf of the Secretary, or other party at whose request a subpoena is issued, under this subchapter, may enforce such subpoena in appropriate proceedings in the United States district court for the district in which the person to whom the subpoena was addressed resides, was served, or transacts business.(d) Relief which may be granted in civil actions under subsections (a) and (b)
(B) may award such other relief as the court deems appropriate, including monetary damages to persons aggrieved; and
(C) may, to vindicate the public interest, assess a civil penalty against the respondent —
(ii) in an amount not exceeding $100,000, for any subsequent violation.
(e) Intervention in civil actions
Upon timely application, any person may intervene in a civil action commenced by the Attorney General under subsection (a) or (b) which involves an alleged discriminatory housing practice with respect to which such person is an aggrieved person or a conciliation agreement to which such person is a party. The court may grant such appropriate relief to any such intervening party as is authorized to be granted to a plaintiff in a civil action under section 3613 of this title.(Pub. L. 90–284, title VIII, § 814, as added Pub. L. 100–430, § 8(2), Sept. 13, 1988, 102 Stat. 1634.)
42 USC §3614-1 | INCENTIVES FOR SELF-TESTING AND SELF-CORRECTION
(a) Privileged information
(1) Conditions for privilege
A report or result of a self-test (as that term is defined by regulation of the Secretary) shall be considered to be privileged under paragraph (2) if any person —(B) has identified any possible violation of this subchapter by that person and has taken, or is taking, appropriate corrective action to address any such possible violation.
(2) Privileged self-test
If a person meets the conditions specified in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1) with respect to a self-test described in that paragraph, any report or results of that self-test —(B) may not be obtained or used by any applicant, department, or agency in any —
(ii) examination or investigation relating to compliance with this subchapter.
(b) Results of self-testing
(1) In general
No provision of this section may be construed to prevent an aggrieved person, complainant, department, or agency from obtaining or using a report or results of any self-test in any proceeding or civil action in which a violation of this subchapter is alleged, or in any examination or investigation of compliance with this subchapter if — (A) the person to whom the self-test relates or any person with lawful access to the report or the results —(ii) refers to or describes the report or results as a defense to charges of violations of this subchapter against the person to whom the self-test relates; or
(2) Disclosure for determination of penalty or remedy
Any report or results of a self-test that are disclosed for the purpose specified in paragraph (1)(B) —(B) may not be used in any other action or proceeding.
(c) Adjudication
An aggrieved person, complainant, department, or agency that challenges a privilege asserted under this section may seek a determination of the existence and application of that privilege in —(2) an administrative law proceeding with appropriate jurisdiction.
(Pub. L. 90–284, title VIII, § 814A, as added Pub. L. 104–208, div. A, title II, § 2302(b)(1), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–421.)
42 USC §3614a | RULES TO IMPLEMENT SUBCHAPTER
(Pub. L. 90–284, title VIII, § 815, as added Pub. L. 100–430, § 8(2), Sept. 13, 1988, 102 Stat. 1635.)
42 USC §3615 | EFFECT ON STATE LAWS
(Pub. L. 90–284, title VIII, § 816, formerly § 815, Apr. 11, 1968, 82 Stat. 89; renumbered § 816, Pub. L. 100–430, § 8(1), Sept. 13, 1988, 102 Stat. 1625.)
42 USC §3616 | COOPERATION WITH STATE AND LOCAL AGENCIES ADMINISTERING FAIR HOUSING LAWS; UTILIZATION OF SERVICES AND PERSONNEL; REIMBURSEMENT; WRITTEN AGREEMENTS; PUBLICATION IN FEDERAL REGISTER
(Pub. L. 90–284, title VIII, § 817, formerly § 816, Apr. 11, 1968, 82 Stat. 89; renumbered § 817, Pub. L. 100–430, § 8(1), Sept. 13, 1988, 102 Stat. 1625.)
42 USC §3619 | SEPARABILITY
(Pub. L. 90–284, title VIII, § 820, formerly § 819, Apr. 11, 1968, 82 Stat. 89; renumbered § 820, Pub. L. 100–430, § 8(1), Sept. 13, 1988, 102 Stat. 1625.)
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