Fair housing complaints can be filed with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for up to one year from the incident, or with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission for up to 180 days from the incident. In addition, a lawsuit can be filed in Federal Court for up to two years. Discrimination victims can be awarded out-of-pocket costs incurred while obtaining alternative housing and any additional costs associated with that housing. Non-economic damages for humiliation, mental anguish or other psychological injuries may also be levied. In cases tried before a HUD Administrative Law Judge, civil penalties of up to $23,011 for a first violation, increasing to $115,054 for third violations, may be imposed. In cases brought by the Justice Department, the civil penalties can be up to $150,000. These civil penalties are in addition to attorney’s fees and other costs that may be awarded to someone who has experienced housing discrimination.
If you live in Philadelphia, Southeast Pennsylvania or the Lehigh Valley and have questions about the legal and administrative complaint process or about penalties for noncompliance or other fair housing topics, contact info@equalhousing.org, 866-540-FAIR or contact us.