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DOJ Fair Housing Enforcement
DOJ does not accept or process administrative complaints under the Fair Housing Act. However, complaints initially processed and charged by HUD may, upon election of any party, proceed in a civil action brought in federal court by DOJ.
DOJ also has jurisdiction under the Fair Housing Act to file civil lawsuits in federal court that allege a pattern-or-practice of housing discrimination, or a denial of rights to a group of persons that raises an issue of general public importance. DOJ has a longer statute of limitations in these cases.
In addition, DOJ has jurisdiction to prosecute individuals who violate the criminal provision of the Fair Housing Act, which makes it unlawful for an individual to use force or threaten to use force to injure, intimidate, or interfere with, or attempt to injure, intimidate, or interfere with, any person's housing rights because of that person’s race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status or national origin.