How long does it take to resolve a Fair Housing Law complaint?

The amount of time it takes to resolve a Fair Housing Law complaint in Washington largely depends on the complexity of the situation. Generally speaking, most cases will take several months to resolve, but some may take longer. The Washington State Attorney General’s Office is responsible for investigating and enforcing violations of the Fair Housing Law in the state. When a complaint is submitted to the office, they will provide information about the process and create an investigation plan. The investigation may include gathering information, interviewing witnesses, and visiting the site of the alleged violation. Once the investigation is complete, the Office of the Attorney General will issue a “notice of violation” to the party being accused. The accused party then has the opportunity to either deny or accept responsibility for the violation. If they accept responsibility, they may enter into a settlement with the Attorney General’s office that includes remedial actions such as educational programs or tenant protection. If the accused party denies responsibility for the violation, the Attorney General’s office will move forward with a formal hearing. This process can be lengthy and may involve additional investigations, evidence gathering, and witness testimonies. Following the hearing, a decision is made to either charge or not charge the accused with the violation. If the accused is charged, they can fight the charges in court. In short, it can take several months to resolve a Fair Housing Law complaint in Washington. The amount of time may vary depending on the complexity of the situation.

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