Cal. Civ. Code § 36-96.9
Procedures for receipt or initiation of complaint; notice to parties; filing of answer.
Operative Text
A. A complaint under § 36-96.8 shall be filed with the Board in writing within one year after the alleged discriminatory housing practice occurred or terminated. B. Any person not named in the complaint and who is identified as a respondent in the course of the investigation may be joined as an additional or substitute respondent upon written notice to such person by the Board explaining the basis for the Board's belief that such person is properly joined as a respondent. C. Any respondent may file an answer to a complaint. Complaints and answers must be made in writing, under oath or affirmation, and in such form as the Board requires. Complaints and answers may be reasonably and fairly amended at any time. D. Upon the filing of a complaint or initiation of a complaint by the Board or its designee, the Board shall provide written notice to the parties as follows: 1. To the aggrieved person acknowledging the filing and advising such person of the time limits and choice of forums under this chapter; and 2. To the respondent, not later than ten days after such filing or the identification of an additional respondent under subsection B, identifying the alleged discriminatory housing practice and advising such respondent of the procedural rights and obligations of respondents under this chapter with a copy of the original complaint and copies of any supporting documentation referenced in the complaint.
Virginia Code § 36-96.9 establishes the procedural framework for filing and processing fair housing complaints with the Virginia Fair Housing Board. A complaint must be submitted in writing within one year of the alleged discriminatory housing practice occurring or ending. Once a complaint is filed, the Board is required to notify both the person who filed the complaint and the named respondent in writing, with the respondent receiving notice within ten days that includes a copy of the complaint and relevant supporting documents. Respondents have the opportunity to file a written answer, and both complaints and answers may be amended as the process moves forward.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Va. Code § 36-96.9, property owners and managers named as respondents in a fair housing complaint are entitled to written notice from the Virginia Fair Housing Board within ten days of the complaint being filed, which includes a copy of the complaint and any supporting documentation. Compliant operators generally review this notice carefully to understand the alleged discriminatory housing practice and the procedural rights and obligations outlined in the chapter. Respondents also have the option to file a written answer to the complaint, and that answer may be amended at a later stage in the process.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Va. Code § 36-96.9 gives aggrieved persons the right to file a written fair housing complaint with the Virginia Fair Housing Board within one year of the alleged discriminatory housing practice occurring or ending. Upon filing, the Board is required to send written acknowledgment to the complainant and to inform them of applicable time limits and available forums under Virginia's fair housing chapter. Tenants who believe they have experienced housing discrimination may consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider to better understand the complaint process, available forums, and how amendments to a complaint may be made during the investigation.
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 22, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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