{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/36-96.18.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/36-96.18.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/36-96.18.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/36-96.18.html"}],"law_id":70010,"edition_id":1,"section_id":70010,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.18","catch_line":"Civil action; enforcement by private parties","history":"1972, c. 591, \u00a7 36-94; 1973, c. 372; 1975, c. 566; 1984, c. 271; 1987, c. 167; 1991, c. 557; 1994, c. 814.","full_text":"A\n\nAn aggrieved person may commence a civil action in an appropriate United States district court or state court not later than two years after the occurrence or the termination of an alleged discriminatory housing practice, or the breach of a conciliation agreement entered into under this chapter, whichever occurs last, to obtain appropriate relief with respect to such discriminatory housing practice or breach.B\n\nAn aggrieved person may commence a civil action under § 36-96.18 A no later than 180 days after the conclusion of the administrative process with respect to a complaint or charge, or not later than two years after the occurrence or the termination of an alleged discriminatory housing practice, whichever is later. This subsection shall not apply to actions arising from a breach of a conciliation agreement. An aggrieved person may commence a civil action under this section whether or not a complaint has been filed under § 36-96.9 and without regard to the status of any such complaint. If the Board or a federal agency has obtained a conciliation agreement with the consent of an aggrieved person, no action may be filed under this section by such aggrieved person with respect to the alleged discriminatory housing practice which forms the basis for such complaint except for the purpose of enforcing the terms of such an agreement.C\n\nIn a civil action under subsection A, if the court or jury finds that a discriminatory housing practice has occurred or is about to occur, the court or jury may award to the plaintiff, as the prevailing party, compensatory and punitive damages, without limitation otherwise imposed by state law, and the court may award reasonable attorney’s fees and costs, and subject to subsection D, may grant as relief, any permanent or temporary injunction, temporary restraining order, or other order, including an order enjoining the defendant from engaging in such practice or order such affirmative action as may be appropriate.D\n\nRelief granted under subsection C shall not affect any contract, sale, encumbrance, or lease consummated before the granting of such relief and involving bona fide purchasers, encumbrancer or tenant, without actual notice of the filing of a complaint with the Board or civil action under this chapter.E\n\nUpon timely application, the Attorney General may intervene in such civil action, if the Attorney General certifies that the case is of general public importance. Upon intervention, the Attorney General may obtain such relief as would be available to the private party under subsection C.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":252950,"text":"An aggrieved person may commence a civil action in an appropriate United States district court or state court not later than two years after the occurrence or the termination of an alleged discriminatory housing practice, or the breach of a conciliation agreement entered into under this chapter, whichever occurs last, to obtain appropriate relief with respect to such discriminatory housing practice or breach.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":252951,"text":"An aggrieved person may commence a civil action under § 36-96.18 A no later than 180 days after the conclusion of the administrative process with respect to a complaint or charge, or not later than two years after the occurrence or the termination of an alleged discriminatory housing practice, whichever is later. This subsection shall not apply to actions arising from a breach of a conciliation agreement. An aggrieved person may commence a civil action under this section whether or not a complaint has been filed under § 36-96.9 and without regard to the status of any such complaint. If the Board or a federal agency has obtained a conciliation agreement with the consent of an aggrieved person, no action may be filed under this section by such aggrieved person with respect to the alleged discriminatory housing practice which forms the basis for such complaint except for the purpose of enforcing the terms of such an agreement.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":252952,"text":"In a civil action under subsection A, if the court or jury finds that a discriminatory housing practice has occurred or is about to occur, the court or jury may award to the plaintiff, as the prevailing party, compensatory and punitive damages, without limitation otherwise imposed by state law, and the court may award reasonable attorney’s fees and costs, and subject to subsection D, may grant as relief, any permanent or temporary injunction, temporary restraining order, or other order, including an order enjoining the defendant from engaging in such practice or order such affirmative action as may be appropriate.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":252953,"text":"Relief granted under subsection C shall not affect any contract, sale, encumbrance, or lease consummated before the granting of such relief and involving bona fide purchasers, encumbrancer or tenant, without actual notice of the filing of a complaint with the Board or civil action under this chapter.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"4":{"id":252954,"text":"Upon timely application, the Attorney General may intervene in such civil action, if the Attorney General certifies that the case is of general public importance. Upon intervention, the Attorney General may obtain such relief as would be available to the private party under subsection C.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13498,"edition_id":1,"name":"Virginia Fair Housing Law","identifier":"5.1","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12779,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:45:04","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:45:04","permalink":{"id":209181,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13498,"identifier":"5.1","token":"36\/5.1","url":"\/36\/5.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12779,"edition_id":1,"name":"Housing","identifier":"36","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","permalink":{"id":208257,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12779,"identifier":"36","token":"36","url":"\/36\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":65553,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.1","catch_line":"Declaration of policy","url":"\/36-96.1\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.1","metadata":false},{"id":61134,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.10","catch_line":"Procedures for investigation","url":"\/36-96.10\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.10","metadata":false},{"id":67356,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.11","catch_line":"Reasonable cause determination and effect","url":"\/36-96.11\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.11","metadata":false},{"id":72315,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.12","catch_line":"No reasonable cause determination and effect","url":"\/36-96.12\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.12","metadata":false},{"id":87140,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.13","catch_line":"Conciliation","url":"\/36-96.13\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.13","metadata":false},{"id":79737,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.14","catch_line":"Issuance of a charge","url":"\/36-96.14\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.14","metadata":false},{"id":79697,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.15","catch_line":"Prompt judicial action","url":"\/36-96.15\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.15","metadata":false},{"id":77306,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.16","catch_line":"Civil action by Attorney General upon referral of charge by the Real Estate Board","url":"\/36-96.16\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.16","metadata":false},{"id":85292,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.17","catch_line":"Civil action by Attorney General; matters involving the legality of any local zoning or other land use ordinance; pattern or practice cases; or referral of conciliation agreement for enforcement","url":"\/36-96.17\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.17","metadata":false},{"id":70010,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.18","catch_line":"Civil action; enforcement by private parties","url":"\/36-96.18\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.18","metadata":false},{"id":54812,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.19","catch_line":"Witness fees","url":"\/36-96.19\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.19","metadata":false},{"id":62921,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.1:1","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/36-96.1_1\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.1_1","metadata":false},{"id":58122,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.2","catch_line":"Exemptions","url":"\/36-96.2\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.2","metadata":false},{"id":71220,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.20","catch_line":"Additional powers of the Real Estate Board; action on real estate licenses","url":"\/36-96.20\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.20","metadata":false},{"id":85652,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.21","catch_line":"Powers of counties, cities and towns","url":"\/36-96.21\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.21","metadata":false},{"id":58973,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.22","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/36-96.22\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.22","metadata":false},{"id":67360,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.23","catch_line":"Construction of law","url":"\/36-96.23\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.23","metadata":false},{"id":80070,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.3","catch_line":"Unlawful discriminatory housing practices","url":"\/36-96.3\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.3","metadata":false},{"id":85052,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.3:1","catch_line":"Rights and responsibilities with respect to the use of an assistance animal in a dwelling","url":"\/36-96.3_1\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.3_1","metadata":false},{"id":58480,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.3:2","catch_line":"Reasonable accommodations; interactive process","url":"\/36-96.3_2\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.3_2","metadata":false},{"id":65380,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.4","catch_line":"Discrimination in residential real estate-related transactions; unlawful practices by lenders, insurers, appraisers, etc.; deposit of state funds in such institutions","url":"\/36-96.4\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.4","metadata":false},{"id":73766,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.5","catch_line":"Interference with enjoyment of rights of others under this chapter","url":"\/36-96.5\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.5","metadata":false},{"id":78240,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.6","catch_line":"Certain restrictive covenants void; instruments containing such covenants","url":"\/36-96.6\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.6","metadata":false},{"id":61889,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.7","catch_line":"Familial status protection not applicable to housing for older persons","url":"\/36-96.7\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.7","metadata":false},{"id":54463,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.8","catch_line":"Powers of Real Estate Board and Fair Housing Board","url":"\/36-96.8\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.8","metadata":false},{"id":79606,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.9","catch_line":"Procedures for receipt or initiation of complaint; notice to parties; filing of answer","url":"\/36-96.9\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.9","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":85292,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.17","catch_line":"Civil action by Attorney General; matters involving the legality of any local zoning or other land use ordinance; pattern or practice cases; or referral of conciliation agreement for enforcement","url":"\/36-96.17\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.17","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":54812,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.19","catch_line":"Witness fees","url":"\/36-96.19\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.19","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/36-96.18\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1972. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 591 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1972 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 6 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1973, chapter 372; in 1975, chapter 566; in 1984, chapter 271; in 1987, chapter 167; in 1991, chapter 557; in 1994, chapter 814<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":77306,"section_number":"36-96.16","catch_line":"Civil action by Attorney General upon referral of charge by the Real Estate Board","order_by":null,"url":"\/36-96.16\/"},{"id":85292,"section_number":"36-96.17","catch_line":"Civil action by Attorney General; matters involving the legality of any local zoning or other land use ordinance; pattern or practice cases; or referral of conciliation agreement for enforcement","order_by":null,"url":"\/36-96.17\/"},{"id":70010,"section_number":"36-96.18","catch_line":"Civil action; enforcement by private parties","order_by":null,"url":"\/36-96.18\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":70010,"section_number":"36-96.18","catch_line":"Civil action; enforcement by private parties","order_by":null,"url":"\/36-96.18\/"},{"id":79606,"section_number":"36-96.9","catch_line":"Procedures for receipt or initiation of complaint; notice to parties; filing of answer","order_by":null,"url":"\/36-96.9\/"}],"permalink":{"id":209219,"object_type":"law","relational_id":70010,"identifier":"36-96.18","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.18","url":"\/36-96.18\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/36-96.18\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.18","dublin_core":{"Title":"Civil action; enforcement by private parties","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 36-96.18","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> An aggrieved person<\/span> may commence a civil action<\/span> in an appropriate United States district court<\/span> or state court<\/span> not later than two years after the occurrence or the termination of an alleged discriminatory housing practice, or the breach of a conciliation agreement<\/span> entered into under this chapter, whichever occurs last, to obtain appropriate relief with respect to such discriminatory housing practice or breach. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> An aggrieved person<\/span> may commence a civil action<\/span> under § 36-96.18<\/a> A no later than 180 days after the conclusion of the administrative process with respect to a complaint or charge, or not later than two years after the occurrence or the termination of an alleged discriminatory housing practice, whichever is later. This subsection shall not apply to actions arising from a breach of a conciliation agreement<\/span>. An aggrieved person<\/span> may commence a civil action<\/span> under this section whether or not a complaint has been filed under § 36-96.9<\/a> and without regard to the status of any such complaint. If the Board or a federal agency has obtained a conciliation agreement<\/span> with the consent of an aggrieved person<\/span>, no action may be filed under this section by such aggrieved person<\/span> with respect to the alleged discriminatory housing practice which forms the basis for such complaint except for the purpose of enforcing the terms of such an agreement. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> In a civil action<\/span> under subsection A, if the court<\/span> or jury<\/span> finds that a discriminatory housing practice has occurred or is about to occur, the court<\/span> or jury<\/span> may award to the plaintiff<\/span>, as the prevailing party<\/span>, compensatory and punitive damages<\/span>, without limitation otherwise imposed by state law<\/span>, and the court<\/span> may award reasonable attorney’s fees and costs, and subject to subsection D, may grant as relief, any permanent or temporary injunction<\/span>, temporary restraining order<\/span>, or other order, including an order enjoining the defendant<\/span> from engaging in such practice or order such affirmative action as may be appropriate. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> Relief granted under subsection C shall not affect any contract<\/span>, sale, encumbrance, or lease consummated before the granting of such relief and involving bona fide purchasers, encumbrancer or tenant, without actual notice of the filing of a complaint with the Board or civil action<\/span> under this chapter. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> Upon timely application, the Attorney General<\/span> may intervene in such civil action<\/span>, if the Attorney General<\/span> certifies that the case is of general public importance. Upon intervention, the Attorney General<\/span> may obtain such relief as would be available to the private party<\/span> under subsection C. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nCIVIL ACTION; ENFORCEMENT BY PRIVATE PARTIES (\u00a7 36-96.18)\n\nA. An aggrieved person may commence a civil action in an appropriate United\nStates district court or state court not later than two years after the\noccurrence or the termination of an alleged discriminatory housing practice, or\nthe breach of a conciliation agreement entered into under this chapter,\nwhichever occurs last, to obtain appropriate relief with respect to such\ndiscriminatory housing practice or breach.\n\nB. An aggrieved person may commence a civil action under § 36-96.18 A no\nlater than 180 days after the conclusion of the administrative process with\nrespect to a complaint or charge, or not later than two years after the\noccurrence or the termination of an alleged discriminatory housing practice,\nwhichever is later. This subsection shall not apply to actions arising from a\nbreach of a conciliation agreement. An aggrieved person may commence a civil\naction under this section whether or not a complaint has been filed under §\n36-96.9 and without regard to the status of any such complaint. If the Board or\na federal agency has obtained a conciliation agreement with the consent of an\naggrieved person, no action may be filed under this section by such aggrieved\nperson with respect to the alleged discriminatory housing practice which forms\nthe basis for such complaint except for the purpose of enforcing the terms of\nsuch an agreement.\n\nC. In a civil action under subsection A, if the court or jury finds that a\ndiscriminatory housing practice has occurred or is about to occur, the court or\njury may award to the plaintiff, as the prevailing party, compensatory and\npunitive damages, without limitation otherwise imposed by state law, and the\ncourt may award reasonable attorney’s fees and costs, and subject to\nsubsection D, may grant as relief, any permanent or temporary injunction,\ntemporary restraining order, or other order, including an order enjoining the\ndefendant from engaging in such practice or order such affirmative action as may\nbe appropriate.\n\nD. Relief granted under subsection C shall not affect any contract, sale,\nencumbrance, or lease consummated before the granting of such relief and\ninvolving bona fide purchasers, encumbrancer or tenant, without actual notice of\nthe filing of a complaint with the Board or civil action under this chapter.\n\nE. Upon timely application, the Attorney General may intervene in such civil\naction, if the Attorney General certifies that the case is of general public\nimportance. Upon intervention, the Attorney General may obtain such relief as\nwould be available to the private party under subsection C.\n\nHISTORY: 1972, c. 591, \u00a7 36-94; 1973, c. 372; 1975, c. 566; 1984, c. 271; 1987,\nc. 167; 1991, c. 557; 1994, c. 814.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}