Understanding the Different Timeline for Housing Discrimination Complaints
Housing discrimination complaints filed with CHRO follow a faster process than most employment and public accommodations complaints. You can learn more about how CHRO processes employment and public accommodations complaints HERE.
The process is largely the same for housing cases. The primary difference is that everything moves on a faster timeline. But there are some other important differences.
No Pre-Answer Conciliation
Pre-answer conciliation is not generally available in housing cases. Instead, the case moves directly to the filing of the Respondent’s Answer.
Faster Deadline for the Respondent’s Answer
In most employment and public accommodations cases, the Respondent usually has 30 days to file an Answer. In housing discrimination cases, the Respondent generally must file an Answer within 10 days after receiving the complaint.
No Case Assessment Review
Housing discrimination complaints do not go through the CHRO’s case assessment review process. Instead, once the Respondent's answer is filed, the case proceeds directly into mandatory mediation and investigation.
Mandatory Mediation Still Occurs
Housing cases still go through mediation or settlement discussions, but on a faster timeline than other cases. As with other CHRO cases, many housing complaints resolve through voluntary settlement.
Investigation and Findings
Housing discrimination complaints are investigated on a faster timeline than other discrimination cases. The process is otherwise the same; the CHRO remains neutral and investigates whether there is reasonable cause to believe a discriminatory practice occurred.
As part of a housing discrimination investigation, the investigator may ask the parties to provide:
- emails,
- text messages,
- lease documents,
- policies,
- witness names,
- timelines,
- photographs, or
- other evidence related to the complaint
Election of a Civil Action After a Reasonable Cause Finding
Housing discrimination cases have another important difference not available in employment and public accommodations cases. If CHRO finds reasonable cause in a housing case, either party has 20 days to choose a civil court action instead of an administrative hearing process.
If either party elects a civil action, the CHRO will file a complaint in state court rather than going to the Office of Public Hearings.
Office of Public Hearings
If the case is not moved to court and does not settle, it may proceed to the Office of Public Hearings for an administrative trial process similar to a court proceeding. A CHRO attorney will be assigned to prosecute the matter on behalf of the State of Connecticut. The CHRO attorney does not personally represent the Complainant.
Final Note
This article provides general information about housing discrimination complaint procedures and timelines. It is not legal advice.
