When a housing discrimination case goes to an administrative hearing, HUD attorneys litigate the case on behalf of the complainant. In an administrative hearing an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hears evidence presented by the parties. If the ALJ decides that discrimination occurred, the respondent can be ordered to:
- Compensate for actual damages, including humiliation, pain and suffering
- Provide injunctive or other equitable relief
- Pay the Federal Government a civil penalty to vindicate the public interest
- Pay reasonable attorney’s fees and costs