Are there any penalties for landlords who violate Fair Housing Law?
Yes, there are penalties for landlords who violate Fair Housing Law in Virginia. Depending on the severity and type of violation, landlords could face fines, jail time, and other legal action from government organizations. For instance, landlords who intentionally discriminate against someone based on their protected class, such as race, age, religion, sex, disability, national origin, or familial status, can face both criminal and civil penalties. Civil penalties for this type of violation can include civil fines of up to $75,000 for each offence, while criminal penalties can include jail sentences of up to one year in prison. In addition, landlords who fail to make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities, harass tenants, or fail to maintain habitable properties in accordance with state and local housing standards, may face civil penalties ranging from warning letters to civil fines of $25,000 to injunctive relief, which is a court order requiring the landlord to take corrective measures. Therefore, it is important for landlords to understand and follow the Fair Housing Law in Virginia, as violating it can result in severe penalties. Landlords can protect themselves from legal issues by familiarizing themselves with their local, state, and federal fair housing laws and ensuring that their rental agreements comply with those laws.
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