Attorney General Jay Jones announced on April 15 that Virginians who believe they have faced housing discrimination can file a complaint with the Virginia Fair Housing Office without needing a lawyer.
The announcement comes during Fair Housing Month and aims to inform residents about their rights and the steps involved in reporting discrimination. The process is designed to protect individuals throughout all stages of securing housing.
“The law protects Virginians in every step of the housing journey. My office will bring those who have been found to block equal access with discriminatory actions to court on behalf of the hardworking people of the Commonwealth,” said Attorney General Jay Jones. Liz Hayes, Director of the Fair Housing Office, said, “The Virginia Fair Housing Office is committed to conducting thorough impartial investigations of housing discrimination complaints. Our goal is to ensure the Boards and the Office of the Attorney General have the information needed to make informed decisions and pursue enforcement, when necessary.”
After a complaint is filed, investigators review documents, interview relevant parties and witnesses, and may pursue mediation as an option for resolution. Each case seeks to determine if there is reasonable cause for believing discrimination has occurred or could occur. Findings are then presented at board meetings for a vote on whether there was likely discrimination; if so, the Attorney General’s office brings cases forward on behalf of both complainants and public interest.
Relief may include monetary compensation for victims, civil penalties paid to Virginia, punitive damages intended as deterrents against future violations, as well as policy changes or training requirements. The Attorney General’s office can also take certain cases directly to court when there are patterns or matters deemed important for public interest.
The Attorney General of Virginia supports civil rights enforcement programs and victim assistance initiatives according to its official website. The office also provides legal counsel for state agencies while promoting public safety and defending constitutional rights as detailed online. Miyares currently serves as Virginia’s 48th attorney general according to official records, representing all residents across the Commonwealth as stated by his office. Additional responsibilities include addressing issues such as human trafficking and domestic violence through legal advocacy according to state sources and offering consumer protection resources related to identity theft or fraud reporting as noted by officials.
