Centralia — Ch. 10 Human Rights § 10-19
Complaints
Operative Text
(a) Any person aggrieved in any manner by a violation of the provisions of this article may file a written complaint setting forth his grievances with the proper official designated by the commission within thirty (30) days after the alleged offense. Such complaint shall state the name and address of the complainant and the person or persons against whom the complaint is brought and also state the allegations surrounding the alleged violation of this division and the names and addresses of any persons that may have knowledge concerning the allegations. (b) After the filing of any complaint the commission shall make a prompt investigation in connection therewith and if the commission shall determine after such investigation that probable cause exists for the allegations of the complaint it shall immediately endeavor to eliminate the unlawful practice complained of by conference, conciliation and persuasion. In case of failure to so eliminate such practice or, in cases where in the judgment of the commission circumstances so warrant, it shall cause to be issued and served upon all parties notice of a full hearing of the complaint and the time and place of such hearing. All said notices shall be accompanied with a copy of a complaint. Any person charged with the violation of the sections of this article shall have the right to file an answer to the complaint, to appear at the hearing in person, and to be represented by counsel, to submit testimony, and to cross-examine all witnesses. The complainant shall also be allowed to present testimony, in person, and to cross-examine witnesses, and may be represented by counsel. (c) Such hearings shall be conducted by the entire commission or quorum thereof upon due and reasonable notice to all parties. The commission shall have the power to administer oath and take sworn testimony. (d) At the conclusion of such hearing the commission shall render to the city council a written report with a recommendation which shall also be served by mail upon the complainant and the party or parties charged. No report shall be delayed more than sixty (60) days after the first issuance of notice or commencement of a hearing.
Section 10-19 of Centralia's Chapter 10 Human Rights ordinance establishes the process for filing and resolving complaints about human rights violations. A person who believes they have been harmed by a violation must submit a written complaint to the designated official within 30 days of the alleged offense, including identifying information and a description of the allegations. The commission then investigates, attempts to resolve the matter through conciliation, and if necessary holds a formal hearing where both sides may present testimony and be represented by counsel. The commission must deliver a written report with recommendations to the city council within 60 days of the hearing's commencement.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Centralia Ch. 10 § 10-19, property owners and managers named in a human rights complaint are entitled to formal procedural protections throughout the process. A compliant operator generally ensures they are prepared to respond to any notice of complaint, file a written answer, appear at any scheduled hearing, and present testimony or retain counsel if needed. Keeping thorough records of rental practices and communications supports a clear and organized response if a complaint is filed.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Centralia Ch. 10 § 10-19 gives individuals who believe their human rights have been violated a structured path to seek redress through the city's commission. A tenant generally begins by filing a written complaint with the commission's designated official within 30 days of the alleged offense, including names, addresses, and a description of the alleged violation. From there, the commission investigates and may pursue conciliation or a formal hearing; tenants may present testimony and be represented by counsel at any hearing, and tenant-rights organizations can help explain what these procedural options involve.
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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