Ottawa — Ch. 46 Human Relations § 46-42
Enforcement
Operative Text
(a) The commission shall be empowered, at the conclusion of the proceedings held under section 46-41 , to recommend to the council that the council order any person found to be engaging in an unfair real estate practice to cease and desist from such practice, upon such terms as necessary and proper for the enforcement of this article. (b) The commission shall be empowered, at the conclusion of proceedings held under section 46-41 as part of its report, to recommend to the council that the city do any one or more of the following: (1) To institute and prosecute proceedings to enforce against any person found in violation of this article and punishment provided for in section 1-11 . (2) To petition or institute proceedings with the state department of registration and education for the purpose of causing the department to revoke, suspend or refuse to renew the license granted by such department to any real estate broker or real estate salesman found to have violated any provision of this article. (3) In the case of any unlawful real estate practice or violation of this article by any person in the course of performing under a contract or subcontract with the state or any political subdivision or agency thereof, or with the United States of America or any agency or instrumentality thereof, to petition or institute proceedings against such contracting agency for the purpose of seeking to have such contract or any portion thereof terminated, either absolutely or on condition of compliance with the provisions of this article. (c) After receipt of the recommendation of the commission, the city council may issue such cease and desist orders and may direct such action by the city council including the procedures as in subsection (b) of this section as shall be necessary for the enforcement of this article.
Ottawa Chapter 46, Section 46-42 establishes the enforcement powers available after a Human Relations Commission proceeding concludes under Section 46-41. If a person is found to have engaged in an unfair real estate practice, the Commission may recommend that the City Council order that person to stop the practice, pursue legal punishment under Section 1-11, seek revocation or suspension of a real estate broker's or salesperson's license, or move to terminate government contracts held by the violator. The City Council, upon receiving the Commission's recommendation, holds the authority to issue cease-and-desist orders and direct any of these enforcement actions as it deems necessary.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Ottawa Ch. 46 § 46-42, real estate operators and brokers found to have violated the Human Relations article face a range of potential consequences recommended by the Commission and ordered by the City Council. Compliant operators generally ensure their practices conform to the article's requirements before any proceeding under Section 46-41 is initiated, since findings of violation can trigger cease-and-desist orders, referral for license revocation or suspension, and — for those working under government contracts — potential contract termination. Operators who hold state or federal contracts should be aware that Section 46-42(b)(3) specifically contemplates proceedings aimed at those contractual relationships when a violation is found.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Ottawa Ch. 46 § 46-42 outlines the remedies that may be available when a person is found to have engaged in an unfair real estate practice following a Commission proceeding under Section 46-41. Tenants who believe they have experienced such a practice may consider filing a complaint with the Human Relations Commission, which can then recommend enforcement actions — including cease-and-desist orders, license proceedings, or contract termination — to the City Council. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Ottawa's Human Relations ordinance can help individuals understand what the complaint and hearing process generally involves under this article.
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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