Housing Discrimination Complaint: the process

Housing Discrimination Complaint:

The Process

(Pre-Complaint Questionaire - Housing)

1. Who may file a housing discrimination complaint?


		Any person who feels that his/her housing rights have been violated.
		The Assistant Secretary can file on behalf of the alleged victim.

2. When should you file a complaint?

		As soon as possible after the incidents) has occurred.
		This act must have occurred or terminated within the last year.

3. Contact Us. Call or stop by the office to make an appointment.

4. Tell us what happened.

Explain to our intake investigator why you believe you were discriminated against.

5. You file a complaint.

		If the facts of your case call for a full investigation, we will prepare an official complaint for you to sign.
		You sign the complaint under oath or affirmation (notarized)
		The final decision to file a complaint is always up to you

6. You will need to provide us with

		Name and contact information of the person or group that you are charging with discrimination, a/k/a "Respondent".
		Names and contact information of witnesses.
		Copies of documents which support your complaint.
		A time line of events.

7. What if they retaliate against you after you file a complaint?

		Retaliation is illegal.
		If it occurs, you can file another complaint. LCOEO investigates complaints involving retaliation and harassment regardless of the outcome of the original complaint.

8. We investigate your case.

		We will contact the "Respondent" within 10 days of filing your complaint and request a response.
		We will seek to negotiate a resolution between the parties, called conciliation.
		If no resolution can be reached, the investigator conducts interviews and gathers evidence within 100 days, if possible.
		The results of the investigation will be outlined in a letter of findings and sent to you and the Respondent.

9. Possible case outcomes.

		"Reasonable Cause" - LCOEO finds that the evidence supports that there is reasonable cause to believe that discrimination has occurred.
		"No Reasonable Cause" - LCOEO finds that not enough evidence was found to support your claim of discrimination.
		"Conciliation" - You and the Respondent sign a negotiated agreement, which can include remedies.

10. You may file suit.

You may file suit, at your own expense, in Federal District Court or State court within two years of the alleged violation. You may bring suit even after filing a complaint, if you have not signed a conciliation agreement and an Administrative Law Judge has not started a hearing.

11. Possible Remedies.

		If LCOEO finds reasonable cause, we will work with you to decide the best remedies for your case.
		Remedies for housing discrimination can include actual and punitive damages, attorney's fees and costs, payments of back rent, mandatory training for management and employees, etc.

To file a complaint in Lee County, please visit our contact us page.

Home • Fair Housing Laws • Covered Housing • Violations • Recognize Discrimination • Penalties for Violations • Filing a Complaint • Conciliation • Design and Construction • Training and Resources • Questions and Answers • Analysis of Impediments • Links • Contact Us

Lee County Office of Equal Opportunity

2115 Second Street, 4th Floor

Fort Myers, Fl 33901

Telephone: (239) 533-2267 Fax: (239) 485-2262

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Revised: 05/08/07