reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
VA Code § 36-85.35 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 36 - Housing|Chapter 4.2 - Manufactured Housing Licensing and Transaction Recovery Fund Law|§ 36-85.35. Appeals from decision of the Board

Appeals from a decision of the Board shall be to a circuit court with jurisdiction in the Commonwealth. An appeal must be made within thirty days of the date of the Board's order. Once made, an appeal shall stay the Board's order. Neither the regulant nor the Board shall be required to pay damages to the claimant until such time as a final order of the court is issued. The court may award reasonable attorney's fees and court costs to be paid by the recovery fund. Except as provided to the contrary herein, appeals pursuant to this section shall be in conformance with the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.).1991, c. 555; 1992, c. 223.
VA Code § 36-85.36 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 36 - Housing|Chapter 4.2 - Manufactured Housing Licensing and Transaction Recovery Fund Law|§ 36-85.36. Recovery fund administrative regulations

The Board is authorized to promulgate regulations in accordance with the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.) consistent with this chapter for the administration of the fund to assure the satisfaction of claims.1991, c. 555; 1992, c. 223.
VA Code § 36-96.1 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 36 - Housing|Chapter 5.1 - Virginia Fair Housing Law|§ 36-96.1. Declaration of policy

A. This chapter shall be known and referred to as the Virginia Fair Housing Law.B. It is the policy of the Commonwealth of Virginia to provide for fair housing throughout the Commonwealth, to all its citizens, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status, source of funds, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, or disability, and to that end to prohibit discriminatory practices with respect to residential housing by any person or group of persons, in order that the peace, health, safety, prosperity, and general welfare of all the inhabitants of the Commonwealth may be protected and ensured. This law shall be deemed an exercise of the police power of the Commonwealth of Virginia for the protection of the people of the Commonwealth.1972, c. 591, §§ 36-86, 36-87; 1973, c. 358; 1978, c. 138; 1989, c. 88; 1991, c. 557; 2020, cc. 477, 1137, 1140; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 477, 478.
VA Code § 36-96.3:1 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 36 - Housing|Chapter 5.1 - Virginia Fair Housing Law|§ 36-96.3:1. Rights and responsibilities with respect to the use of an assistance animal in a dwelling

A. A person with a disability, or a person associated with such person, who maintains an assistance animal in a dwelling shall comply with the rental agreement or any rules and regulations of the property owner applicable to all residents that do not interfere with an equal opportunity to use and enjoy the dwelling and any common areas of the premises. Such person shall not be required to pay a pet fee or deposit or any additional rent to maintain an assistance animal in a dwelling, but shall be responsible for any physical damages to the dwelling if residents who maintain pets are responsible for such damages in accordance with such documents or state law. Nothing herein shall be construed to affect any cause of action against any resident for other damages under the laws of the Commonwealth.B. If a person's disability is obvious or otherwise known to the person receiving a request, or if the need for a requested accommodation is readily apparent or known to the person receiving a request, the person receiving a request for reasonable accommodation may not request any additional verification about the requester's disability. If a person's disability is readily apparent or known to the person receiving the request but the disability-related need is not readily apparent or known, the person receiving the request may ask for additional verification to evaluate the requester's disability-related need.C. A person with a disability, or a person associated with such person, may submit a request for a reasonable accommodation to maintain an assistance animal in a dwelling. Subject to subsection B, the person receiving the request may ask the requester to provide reliable documentation of the disability and the disability-related need for an assistance animal, including documentation from any person with whom the person with a disability has or has had a therapeutic relationship.D. Subject to subsection B, a person receiving a request for a reasonable accommodation to maintain an assistance animal in a dwelling shall evaluate the request and any reliable supporting documentation to verify the disability and the disability-related need for the reasonable accommodation regarding an assistance animal.E. For purposes of this section, "therapeutic relationship" means the provision of medical care, program care, or personal care services, in good faith, to the person with a disability by (i) a mental health service provider as defined in § 54.1-2400.1; (ii) an individual or entity with a valid, unrestricted state license, certification, or registration to serve persons with disabilities; (iii) a person from a peer support or similar group that does not charge service recipients a fee or impose any actual or implied financial requirement and who has actual knowledge about the requester's disability; or (iv) a caregiver, reliable third party, or government entity with actual knowledge of the requester's disability.2017, cc. 575, 729.
VA Code § 36-96.4 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 36 - Housing|Chapter 5.1 - Virginia Fair Housing Law|§ 36-96.4. Discrimination in residential real estate-related transactions; unlawful practices by lenders, insurers, appraisers, etc.; deposit of state funds in such institutions

A. It is unlawful for any person or other entity, including any lending institution, whose business includes engaging in residential real estate-related transactions to discriminate against any person in making available such a transaction, or in the terms or conditions of such a transaction, or in the manner of providing such a transaction, because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, or disability. It is not unlawful, however, for any person or other entity whose business includes engaging in residential real estate transactions to require any applicant to qualify financially for the loan or loans for which such person is making application.B. As used in this section, the term "residential real estate-related transaction" means any of the following:1. The making or purchasing of loans or providing other financial assistance (i) for purchasing, constructing, improving, repairing, or maintaining a dwelling or (ii) secured by residential real estate; or2. The selling, brokering, insuring, or appraising of residential real property. However, nothing in this chapter shall prohibit a person engaged in the business of furnishing appraisals of real property to take into consideration factors other than race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, or disability.C. It shall be unlawful for any state, county, city, or municipal treasurer or governmental official whose responsibility it is to account for, to invest, or manage public funds to deposit or cause to be deposited any public funds in any lending institution provided for herein which is found to be committing discriminatory practices, where such findings were upheld by any court of competent jurisdiction. Upon such a court's judicial enforcement of any order to restrain a practice of such lending institution or for said institution to cease or desist in a discriminatory practice, the appropriate fiscal officer or treasurer of the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof which has funds deposited in any lending institution which is practicing discrimination, as set forth herein, shall take immediate steps to have the said funds withdrawn and redeposited in another lending institution. If for reasons of sound economic management, this action will result in a financial loss to the Commonwealth or any of its political subdivisions, the action may be deferred for a period not longer than one year. If the lending institution in question has corrected its discriminatory practices, any prohibition set forth in this section shall not apply.1972, c. 591, § 36-90; 1973, c. 358; 1989, c. 88; 1991, c. 557; 2020, cc. 1137, 1140; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 477, 478.
VA Code § 36-96.5 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 36 - Housing|Chapter 5.1 - Virginia Fair Housing Law|§ 36-96.5. Interference with enjoyment of rights of others under this chapter

It shall be an unlawful discriminatory housing practice for any person to coerce, intimidate, threaten, or interfere with any person in the exercise or enjoyment of, or on account of his having exercised or enjoyed, or on the account of his having aided or encouraged any other person in the exercise or enjoyment of, any right granted or protected by this chapter.1972, c. 591, § 36-93; 1973, c. 358; 1991, c. 557.
VA Code § 36-96.6 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 36 - Housing|Chapter 5.1 - Virginia Fair Housing Law|§ 36-96.6. Certain restrictive covenants void; instruments containing such covenants

A. Any restrictive covenant and any related reversionary interest, purporting to restrict occupancy or ownership of property on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, or disability, whether heretofore or hereafter included in an instrument affecting the title to real or leasehold property, are declared to be void and contrary to the public policy of the Commonwealth.B. Any person who is asked to accept a document affecting title to real or leasehold property may decline to accept the same if it includes such a covenant or reversionary interest until the covenant or reversionary interest has been removed from the document. Refusal to accept delivery of an instrument for this reason shall not be deemed a breach of a contract to purchase, lease, mortgage, or otherwise deal with such property.C. No person shall solicit or accept compensation of any kind for the release or removal of any covenant or reversionary interest described in subsection A. Any person violating this subsection shall be liable to any person injured thereby in an amount equal to the greater of three times the compensation solicited or received, or $500, plus reasonable attorney fees and costs incurred.D. A family care home, foster home, or group home in which individuals with physical disabilities, mental illness, intellectual disability, or developmental disability reside, with one or more resident counselors or other staff persons, shall be considered for all purposes residential occupancy by a single family when construing any restrictive covenant which purports to restrict occupancy or ownership of real or leasehold property to members of a single family or to residential use or structure.1972, c. 591, § 36-91; 1973, c. 358; 1986, c. 574; 1989, c. 88; 1991, c. 557; 1998, c. 873; 2012, cc. 476, 507; 2020, cc. 1137, 1140; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 477, 478.
VA Code § 36-96.7 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 36 - Housing|Chapter 5.1 - Virginia Fair Housing Law|§ 36-96.7. Familial status protection not applicable to housing for older persons

A. Nothing in this chapter regarding unlawful discrimination because of familial status shall apply to housing for older persons. As used in this section, "housing for older persons" means housing: (i) provided under any state or federal program that is specifically designed and operated to assist elderly persons, as defined in the state or federal program; or (ii) intended for, and solely occupied by, persons sixty-two years of age or older; or (iii) intended for, and solely occupied by, at least one person fifty-five years of age or older per unit. The following criteria shall be met in determining whether housing qualifies as housing for older persons under clause (iii) of this subsection:1. At least eighty percent of the occupied units are occupied by at least one person fifty-five years of age or older per unit; and2. The publication of, and adherence to, policies and procedures which demonstrate an intent by the owner or manager to provide housing for persons fifty-five years of age or older.B. Housing shall not fail to meet the requirements for housing for older persons by reason of:1. Persons residing in such housing as of September 13, 1988, who do not meet the age requirements of clauses (ii) and (iii) of subsection A, provided that new occupants of such housing meet the age requirements of those clauses; or2. Unoccupied units, provided that such units are reserved for occupancy by persons who meet the provisions of clauses (ii) and (iii) of subsection A.1991, c. 557; 1992, c. 322; 2000, c. 30.
VA Code § 36-96.8 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 36 - Housing|Chapter 5.1 - Virginia Fair Housing Law|§ 36-96.8. Powers of Real Estate Board and Fair Housing Board

A. The Real Estate Board and the Fair Housing Board, as provided in this chapter, have the power for the purposes of this chapter to initiate and receive complaints, conduct investigations of any violation of this chapter, attempt resolution of complaints by conference and conciliation, and, upon failure of such efforts, issue a charge and refer it to the Attorney General for action.B. The Real Estate Board and the Fair Housing Board shall perform all acts necessary and proper to carry out the provisions of this chapter and may promulgate and amend necessary regulations.1972, c. 591, § 36-94; 1973, c. 372; 1975, c. 566; 1984, c. 271; 1987, c. 167; 1991, c. 557; 2003, c. 575.
VA Code § 36-96.9 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 36 - Housing|Chapter 5.1 - Virginia Fair Housing Law|§ 36-96.9. Procedures for receipt or initiation of complaint; notice to parties; filing of answer

A. 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.B. 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.C. 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.D. 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:1. To the aggrieved person acknowledging the filing and advising such person of the time limits and choice of forums under this chapter; and2. 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.1991, c. 557.
VA Code § 36-96.10 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 36 - Housing|Chapter 5.1 - Virginia Fair Housing Law|§ 36-96.10. Procedures for investigation

A. The Board shall commence proceedings with respect to a complaint within thirty days after receipt of the complaint, and shall complete the investigation within 100 days thereof unless it is impracticable to do so. If the Board is unable to complete the investigation within 100 days after the receipt of the complaint, the aggrieved person and the respondent shall be notified in writing of the reasons for not doing so.B. When conducting an investigation of a complaint filed under this chapter, the Board shall have the right to interview any person who may have any information which may further its investigation and to request production of any records or documents for inspection and copying in the possession of any person which may further the investigation. Such persons shall be interviewed under oath. The Board or its designated subordinates shall have the power to issue and serve a subpoena to any such person to appear and testify and to produce any such records or documents for inspection and copying. Said subpoenas and discovery may be ordered to the same extent and subject to the same limitations as would apply if the subpoenas or discovery were ordered or served as part of a civil action in the Commonwealth of Virginia. In case of refusal or neglect to obey a subpoena, the Board may petition for its enforcement in the Circuit Court for the City of Richmond. The hearing on such petition shall be given priority on the court docket over all cases which are not otherwise given priority on the court docket by law.C. At the end of each investigation under this section, the Board shall prepare a final investigative report containing:1. The names and dates of contacts with witnesses;2. A summary and the dates of correspondence and other contacts with the aggrieved person and the respondent;3. A summary description of other pertinent records;4. A summary of witness statements; and5. Answers to interrogatories.A final report under this subsection may be amended if additional evidence is later discovered.D. The Board shall make available to the aggrieved person and the respondent, at any time, upon request following completion of the Board's investigation, information derived from an investigation and any final investigative report relating to that investigation.1975, c. 566, § 36-94.1; 1991, c. 557; 1998, c. 634.
VA Code § 36-96.11 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 36 - Housing|Chapter 5.1 - Virginia Fair Housing Law|§ 36-96.11. Reasonable cause determination and effect

The Board shall, within 100 days after the filing of a complaint, determine, based on the facts and after consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, whether reasonable cause exists to believe that a discriminatory housing practice has occurred or is about to occur, unless it is impracticable to do so or unless the Board has approved a conciliation agreement with respect to the complaint. If the Board is unable to determine whether reasonable cause exists to believe that a discriminatory housing practice has occurred or is about to occur within 100 days after receipt of the complaint, the aggrieved person and the respondent shall be notified in writing of the reasons therefor.1991, c. 557; 1998, c. 634.
VA Code § 36-96.12 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 36 - Housing|Chapter 5.1 - Virginia Fair Housing Law|§ 36-96.12. No reasonable cause determination and effect

If the Board determines that no reasonable cause exists to believe that a discriminatory housing practice has occurred or is about to occur, the Board shall promptly dismiss the complaint notifying the parties within thirty days of such determination. The Board shall make public disclosure of each dismissal.1991, c. 557.
VA Code § 36-96.13 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 36 - Housing|Chapter 5.1 - Virginia Fair Housing Law|§ 36-96.13. Conciliation

During the period beginning with the filing of such complaint and ending with the filing of a charge or a dismissal by the Board, the Board shall, to the extent feasible, engage in conciliation with respect to such complaint.A. A conciliation agreement arising out of such conciliation shall be an agreement between the respondent and the complainant, and shall be subject to approval by the Board.B. A conciliation agreement may provide for binding arbitration of the dispute arising from the complaint. Any such arbitration that results from a conciliation agreement may award appropriate relief, including monetary relief.C. Each conciliation agreement shall be made public unless the complainant and respondent otherwise agree and the Board determines that disclosure is not required to further the purposes of this chapter.D. Whenever the Board has reasonable cause to believe that a respondent has breached a conciliation agreement, the Board may refer the matter to the Attorney General with a recommendation that a civil action be filed under § 36-96.17 for the enforcement of such agreement.1991, c. 557; 1992, c. 322.
VA Code § 36-96.14 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 36 - Housing|Chapter 5.1 - Virginia Fair Housing Law|§ 36-96.14. Issuance of a charge

Upon failure to resolve a complaint by conciliation and after consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, the Board shall issue a charge on behalf of the aggrieved person or persons and shall immediately refer the charge to the Attorney General, who shall proceed with the charge as directed by § 36-96.16. The Board may not issue a charge under this section regarding an alleged discriminatory housing practice after the beginning of a trial of a civil action commenced by the aggrieved party under an Act of Congress or a state law seeking relief with respect to that discriminatory housing practice.1. Such charge:a. Shall consist of a short and plain statement of the facts upon which the Board has found reasonable cause to believe that a discriminatory housing practice has occurred or is about to occur;b. Shall be based on the final investigative report; andc. Need not be limited to the acts or grounds alleged in the complaint filed under § 36-96.9.2. After the Board issues a charge under this section, the Board shall cause a copy thereof to be served on each respondent named in such charge and on each aggrieved person on whose behalf the complaint was filed.1991, c. 557.
VA Code § 36-96.15 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 36 - Housing|Chapter 5.1 - Virginia Fair Housing Law|§ 36-96.15. Prompt judicial action

If the Board concludes at any time following the filing of a complaint and after consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, that prompt judicial action is necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter, the Board may authorize a civil action by the Attorney General for appropriate temporary or preliminary relief. Upon receipt of such authorization, the Attorney General shall promptly commence and maintain such action. Any temporary restraining order or other order granting preliminary or temporary relief shall be issued in accordance with the Virginia Rules of Civil Procedure. The commencement of a civil action under this section shall not affect the initiation or continuation of administrative proceedings by the Board under § 36-96.8.1991, c. 557.