Cal. Civ. Code § 22-9.5-4-1
Administration by commission; exemption; local agency
Operative Text
Sec. 1. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), the civil rights commission shall administer this article. (b) A city, town, or county that has established or designated a local agency under IC 22-9-1-12.1 may adopt an ordinance or ordinances designating that local agency to administer this article within the territorial jurisdiction of the city, town, or county. A city or town may adopt such an ordinance or ordinances jointly with any other city or town located in the same county or jointly with that county. A local agency designated under this subsection has no jurisdiction over the state or any state agency (as defined in IC 22-9-1-12.1).
Indiana Code § 22-9.5-4-1 establishes which governmental body is responsible for enforcing the state's fair housing article. By default, the Indiana Civil Rights Commission carries out this responsibility statewide. However, cities, towns, and counties that have already set up a qualifying local civil rights agency may pass local ordinances to have that agency handle fair housing matters within their own boundaries, though no local agency can exercise authority over the state government or its agencies.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Ind. Code § 22-9.5-4-1, property owners and managers need to be aware that fair housing complaints may be handled either by the Indiana Civil Rights Commission or by a locally designated agency, depending on where the rental property is located. Compliant operators generally identify which body has jurisdiction over their properties and direct any required communications or responses accordingly. Staying informed about whether a local ordinance has designated a local agency in a given city, town, or county helps ensure that administrative processes are followed with the correct authority.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Ind. Code § 22-9.5-4-1 determines where a fair housing complaint should be directed — either to the Indiana Civil Rights Commission or to a local agency if the municipality or county has passed an ordinance designating one. Tenants who believe their fair housing rights have been violated can look into whether their city, town, or county has established a local agency under this provision, as that agency may be the appropriate body to receive a complaint. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid offices can help individuals understand which agency has jurisdiction in a particular locality and what the complaint process generally involves.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
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