Cambridge Code of Ordinances ch. 14.04 § 14.04.060
Remedies—Relief sought and granted
Operative Text
A. After a finding of probable cause is made, the Commission may file a petition in equity in the Superior Court seeking injunctive relief against the respondent. If justice so requires, the court shall be authorized to grant relief including: 1. Orders or decrees restraining the respondent from selling, renting, or otherwise making the real estate transaction unavailable to the complainant; 2. Any appropriate injunctive relief the court deems necessary to protect the rights of the complainant. B. If the Commission, in the final administrative report of its decision, finds that any respondent committed any unlawful practice under this Chapter, said Commission may: 1. Award to the complainant damages to reimburse him for expenses incurred including, but not limited to, moving, storage of furniture and personal effects, and alternative housing or space because of the respondent's unlawful acts. Damages for emotional distress may also be awarded to the complainant; 2. Assess to the respondent civil penalties not to exceed ten thousand dollars for the first offense, twenty-five thousand dollars for the second offense within a five-year period ending at the time of filing the complaint; fifty thousand dollars for a third or subsequent offense within a seven-year period ending at the time of filing the complaint. In a proceeding involving two or more respondents, the hearing Commissioners may assess a civil penalty against each respondent that the hearing commissioners determine has been engaged or is about to engage in a discriminatory housing practice; 3. Seek relief from the Superior Court including any temporary or permanent injunction, temporary restraining order or other order it deems appropriate.
Cambridge Code of Ordinances ch. 14.04 § 14.04.060 establishes the range of remedies available when the Cambridge Commission finds evidence of or confirms an unlawful housing practice. Before a final decision, the Commission may seek a court injunction to prevent a respondent from blocking a complainant's access to a real estate transaction. After a final administrative finding of an unlawful practice, the Commission can award the complainant compensatory damages—including moving costs, storage, alternative housing, and emotional distress—and can impose escalating civil penalties on the respondent, reaching up to $50,000 for repeat violations within defined lookback periods.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Cambridge Code of Ordinances ch. 14.04 § 14.04.060, property owners and managers facing a housing discrimination complaint should understand that the Commission holds broad remedial authority at multiple stages of the process. A compliant operator generally maintains thorough documentation of all rental decisions and communications, since the Commission may seek court-ordered injunctions even before a final ruling and may later impose civil penalties that increase substantially for second and third offenses. When multiple respondents are named in a single proceeding, each can be assessed separate penalties, making clear that everyone involved in a transaction bears individual exposure under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Cambridge Code of Ordinances ch. 14.04 § 14.04.060 outlines the forms of relief a complainant may be entitled to if the Cambridge Commission finds that an unlawful housing practice occurred. Tenants who believe they have experienced discriminatory treatment in a housing transaction may file a complaint with the Commission, which can pursue interim court relief to preserve access to housing while the matter is pending, and can ultimately award damages covering out-of-pocket costs such as moving expenses, alternative housing, and emotional distress. Tenants can learn more about the complaint process and available remedies by contacting the Cambridge Commission or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for general guidance on how this provision applies.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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