Bartlett Title 14 Ch. 1 Fair Housing Ordinance § 14-1-10
PRIVATE REMEDIES
Operative Text
Any person aggrieved in any manner by the violation of this chapter, may commence a civil action in any court of competent jurisdiction to obtain appropriate relief with respect to such discriminatory housing practice or breach. If the court finds that a discriminatory housing practice has occurred, the court may grant the following relief: A. An order compelling compliance with this chapter. B. An order to prohibit any person found by the court to have violated any provision of this chapter from the sale, lease, exchange, transfer, conveyance or assignment of any real property, by any person who in violation of this chapter refuses or fails to perform such contract. C. Compensatory damages and punitive damages, including damages caused by humiliation and embarrassment. D. Such other and further relief as may seem appropriate to the court for the enforcement of this chapter and the elimination of violations thereof. E. In a civil action under this chapter, the court may allow the prevailing party a reasonable attorney's fee and costs. These remedies shall be available notwithstanding the imposition of other penalties provided by this chapter. (Ord. 2020-73, 8-18-2020)
Bartlett Title 14 Ch. 1 Fair Housing Ordinance § 14-1-10 establishes that anyone harmed by a discriminatory housing practice under the chapter may file a civil lawsuit in a court of competent jurisdiction. If a court finds a violation occurred, it can order a range of remedies including compliance orders, prohibitions on future property transactions by the violator, compensatory and punitive damages (including for humiliation and embarrassment), and attorney's fees for the prevailing party. These civil remedies exist independently of any other penalties the chapter may impose, meaning both tracks can run simultaneously.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Bartlett Title 14 Ch. 1 Fair Housing Ordinance § 14-1-10, property owners and managers who operate in compliance with the fair housing chapter generally maintain documentation of their non-discriminatory policies, consistent application of tenant-selection criteria, and staff training records. A court finding a violation under this section can impose significant financial exposure — including punitive damages and the opposing party's attorney's fees — in addition to any administrative penalties already assessed. Operators typically review their practices regularly to ensure alignment with the chapter's requirements before any dispute arises.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Bartlett Title 14 Ch. 1 Fair Housing Ordinance § 14-1-10 gives individuals who believe they have experienced a discriminatory housing practice the right to bring a civil lawsuit directly in court, separate from any administrative complaint process. If a court rules in the aggrieved person's favor, available remedies can include monetary damages for emotional harm such as humiliation and embarrassment, punitive damages, and recovery of reasonable attorney's fees and costs. Tenants exploring this path may consider consulting a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider familiar with local fair housing law to understand the range of options available under this provision.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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