(a) (1) An aggrieved person may file a complaint with the Commission alleging a discriminatory housing practice.
(2) The complaint shall be filed within 1 year after the alleged discriminatory housing practice occurred or terminated.
(b) The Commission may:
(1) file a complaint on the Commission’s own initiative; and
(2) investigate housing practices to determine whether a complaint should be filed under this section.
(c) A complaint shall:
(1) be in writing;
(2) be in the form that the Commission requires; and
(3) contain the information that the Commission requires.
(d) After a complaint is filed, the Commission shall serve notice on the aggrieved person acknowledging the filing and advising the aggrieved person of the time limits and choice of forums provided under this part.
(e) Within 10 days after a complaint is filed or an additional respondent is identified under § 20–1022(b) of this subtitle, the Commission shall serve on the respondent:
(1) a copy of the original complaint; and
(2) a notice identifying the alleged discriminatory housing practice and advising the respondent of the procedural rights and obligations of respondents under this part.
(f) (1) Each respondent may file an answer to the complaint.
(2) The answer shall be filed within 10 days after receipt of the copy of the complaint and notice from the Commission under subsection (e) of this section.
(g) Complaints and answers:
(1) shall be under oath; and
(2) may be reasonably amended at any time.
Structure Maryland Statutes
Part II - Discriminatory Housing Practices
Section 20-1021 - Complaint; Answer to Complaint
Section 20-1022 - Investigation of Complaint; Joinder of Respondents
Section 20-1023 - Subpoenas; Discovery; Witness Fees
Section 20-1024 - Conciliation
Section 20-1025 - Certification of Case; Issuance and Service of Charges
Section 20-1026 - Election of Civil Action
Section 20-1027 - Administrative Hearing
Section 20-1028 - Decision of Administrative Law Judge
Section 20-1029 - Final Decision and Order
Section 20-1030 - Judicial Review
Section 20-1031 - Petition to Enforce Commission's Order
Section 20-1032 - Civil Action by Commission on Behalf of Aggrieved Person
Section 20-1033 - Attorney's Fees and Costs
Section 20-1035 - Civil Action by Aggrieved Person
Section 20-1036 - Civil Action by Commission in Public Interest
Section 20-1037 - Civil Action for Temporary or Preliminary Relief