§3613 Enforcement by private persons

Summary

Someone who says they were harmed by housing discrimination can sue in federal or state court. The suit must start no later than 2 years after the discriminatory act, its end, or a breach of a conciliation agreement—whichever happens last. Time when an administrative case about the same matter is pending does not count toward the 2‑year limit, but that rule does not apply to lawsuits about breaches of conciliation agreements. A person can sue even if no administrative complaint was filed, except that if the Secretary or a state or local agency won a conciliation agreement with the person’s consent, the person cannot sue about that same practice except to enforce the agreement. If an administrative law judge has already started a hearing on the charge, the person may not start a separate civil suit about that charge. A court can appoint a lawyer or let a person proceed without paying fees if they cannot afford costs. If the court finds discrimination, it may order money damages (including punitive damages), stop the practice, or order other relief it thinks right. The court may award reasonable attorney fees and costs to the winner, and the United States can be held liable for such fees like a private person. Court orders will not undo sales, leases, or similar transactions completed before the order if the buyer, lender, or tenant did not have actual notice of the complaint or lawsuit. The Attorney General may join the case if it is of general public importance and seek the same relief allowed by law.