Indiana commission can take certain housing rights cases to court

The commission may bring a court case for relief when it has reasonable cause to believe housing rights have been denied in a pattern or in a matter of broad public importance. The case must concern a pattern of resistance to rights under the housing law or a denial that raises an issue of general public importance. The commission may represent only the state in the case.

In a case brought by the commission under this housing law, a court may order steps to prevent violations, award other relief, and impose a civil penalty. These remedies apply in a court case brought by the commission under the housing law’s public enforcement section. A civil penalty may not exceed $50,000 for a first violation or $100,000 for a second or later violation. The penalty limit is $50,000 for a first violation and $100,000 for a second or later violation.

After a timely election, the commission must file a housing case for an aggrieved person within 30 days. This applies to a housing complaint when a timely election is made under the housing law. The aggrieved person may join the case. If the person does not join, the court may not award them money if they have not complied with the court’s discovery orders. The commission must file the case no later than 30 days after the election.