{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/36-96.9.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/36-96.9.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/36-96.9.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/36-96.9.html"}],"law_id":79606,"edition_id":1,"section_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","history":"1991, c. 557.","full_text":"A\n\nA complaint under § 36-96.8 shall be filed with the Board in writing within one year after the alleged discriminatory housing practice occurred or terminated.B\n\nAny person not named in the complaint and who is identified as a respondent in the course of the investigation may be joined as an additional or substitute respondent upon written notice to such person by the Board explaining the basis for the Board’s belief that such person is properly joined as a respondent.C\n\nAny respondent may file an answer to a complaint. Complaints and answers must be made in writing, under oath or affirmation, and in such form as the Board requires. Complaints and answers may be reasonably and fairly amended at any time.D\n\nUpon the filing of a complaint or initiation of a complaint by the Board or its designee, the Board shall provide written notice to the parties as follows:1\n\nTo the aggrieved person acknowledging the filing and advising such person of the time limits and choice of forums under this chapter; and2\n\nTo the respondent, not later than ten days after such filing or the identification of an additional respondent under subsection B, identifying the alleged discriminatory housing practice and advising such respondent of the procedural rights and obligations of respondents under this chapter with a copy of the original complaint and copies of any supporting documentation referenced in the complaint.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":285203,"text":"A complaint under § 36-96.8 shall be filed with the Board in writing within one year after the alleged discriminatory housing practice occurred or terminated.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":285204,"text":"Any person not named in the complaint and who is identified as a respondent in the course of the investigation may be joined as an additional or substitute respondent upon written notice to such person by the Board explaining the basis for the Board’s belief that such person is properly joined as a respondent.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":285205,"text":"Any respondent may file an answer to a complaint. Complaints and answers must be made in writing, under oath or affirmation, and in such form as the Board requires. Complaints and answers may be reasonably and fairly amended at any time.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":285206,"text":"Upon the filing of a complaint or initiation of a complaint by the Board or its designee, the Board shall provide written notice to the parties as follows:","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"D1"},"4":{"id":285207,"text":"To the aggrieved person acknowledging the filing and advising such person of the time limits and choice of forums under this chapter; and","type":"section","prefixes":["D","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"D1","prefix_anchor":"D1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"D2"},"5":{"id":285208,"text":"To the respondent, not later than ten days after such filing or the identification of an additional respondent under subsection B, identifying the alleged discriminatory housing practice and advising such respondent of the procedural rights and obligations of respondents under this chapter with a copy of the original complaint and copies of any supporting documentation referenced in the complaint.","type":"section","prefixes":["D","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"D2","prefix_anchor":"D2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"D1"}},"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":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},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/36-96.9\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1991. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 557 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 1991 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online.<\/p>","references":[{"id":70010,"section_number":"36-96.18","catch_line":"Civil action; enforcement by private parties","order_by":null,"url":"\/36-96.18\/"},{"id":62921,"section_number":"36-96.1:1","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/36-96.1_1\/"},{"id":56501,"section_number":"54.1-307.1","catch_line":"Time for filing complaints against regulants","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-307.1\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":54463,"section_number":"36-96.8","catch_line":"Powers of Real Estate Board and Fair Housing Board","order_by":null,"url":"\/36-96.8\/"}],"permalink":{"id":209283,"object_type":"law","relational_id":79606,"identifier":"36-96.9","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.9","url":"\/36-96.9\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/36-96.9\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.9","dublin_core":{"Title":"Procedures for receipt or initiation of complaint; notice to parties; filing of answer","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 36-96.9","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> A complaint under § 36-96.8<\/a> shall be filed with the Board in writing within one year after the alleged discriminatory housing practice occurred or terminated. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Any person<\/span> not named in the complaint and who is identified as a respondent<\/span> in the course of the investigation may be joined as an additional or substitute respondent<\/span> upon written notice to such person<\/span> by the Board explaining the basis for the Board’s belief that such person<\/span> is properly joined as a respondent<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> Any respondent<\/span> may file an answer to a complaint. Complaints and answers must be made in writing, under oath<\/span> or affirmation, and in such form as the Board requires. Complaints and answers may be reasonably and fairly amended at any time. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> Upon the filing of a complaint or initiation of a complaint by the Board or its designee, the Board shall provide written notice to the parties as follows: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> To the aggrieved person<\/span> acknowledging the filing and advising such person of the time limits and choice of forums under this chapter; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> To the respondent<\/span>, not later than ten days after such filing or the identification of an additional respondent<\/span> under subsection B, identifying the alleged discriminatory housing practice and advising such respondent<\/span> of the procedural rights and obligations of respondents<\/span> under this chapter with a copy of the original complaint and copies of any supporting documentation referenced in the complaint. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nPROCEDURES FOR RECEIPT OR INITIATION OF COMPLAINT; NOTICE TO PARTIES; FILING OF\nANSWER (\u00a7 36-96.9)\n\nA. A complaint under § 36-96.8 shall be filed with the Board in writing\nwithin one year after the alleged discriminatory housing practice occurred or\nterminated.\n\nB. Any person not named in the complaint and who is identified as a respondent\nin the course of the investigation may be joined as an additional or substitute\nrespondent upon written notice to such person by the Board explaining the basis\nfor the Board’s belief that such person is properly joined as a\nrespondent.\n\nC. Any respondent may file an answer to a complaint. Complaints and answers must\nbe made in writing, under oath or affirmation, and in such form as the Board\nrequires. Complaints and answers may be reasonably and fairly amended at any\ntime.\n\nD. Upon the filing of a complaint or initiation of a complaint by the Board or\nits designee, the Board shall provide written notice to the parties as follows:\n\n 1. To the aggrieved person acknowledging the filing and advising such person\n of the time limits and choice of forums under this chapter; and\n\n 2. To the respondent, not later than ten days after such filing or the\n identification of an additional respondent under subsection B, identifying the\n alleged discriminatory housing practice and advising such respondent of the\n procedural rights and obligations of respondents under this chapter with a\n copy of the original complaint and copies of any supporting documentation\n referenced in the complaint.\n\nHISTORY: 1991, c. 557.","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}}