Effingham — Ch. 17 Art. VI Fair Housing § 17-181
Answers
Operative Text
(a) Who may file. Any person against whom a complaint has been filed may file an answer with the commission. (b) Form/contents of answer. Answers shall be in writing and shall include: (1) Name, address, phone number (if any) and signature of the respondent; and (2) Concise statement of the facts on which the answer is based. (c) Time limit, amendments. Answers shall be filed not later than thirty (30) days before the hearing, unless, upon written request, the commission permits a later filing for good cause. Answers may be amended at any time by permission of the commission. (d) Copy to complainant. The commission shall transmit a copy of the answer and any amendments thereto to the complainant as promptly as possible, and in every case prior to the hearing.
Section 17-181 of Effingham's Fair Housing ordinance establishes the procedural rules for filing an answer in response to a fair housing complaint. A respondent — the person or entity named in a complaint — has the right to submit a written response that includes their contact information and a concise statement of the relevant facts. The answer must generally be filed at least 30 days before the hearing, though the commission may allow a later filing for good cause, and any amendments require commission approval. The commission is required to send a copy of the answer and any amendments to the complainant before the hearing takes place.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 17-181, a property owner or manager who has been named in a fair housing complaint has the right to formally respond by filing a written answer with the commission. A compliant respondent typically submits the answer well in advance of the 30-day pre-hearing deadline, includes accurate contact information and a clear factual statement, and seeks written permission from the commission if circumstances require a later filing or an amendment. Keeping records of all submissions and communications with the commission is a practice commonly associated with orderly participation in this process.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 17-181 ensures that when a complainant files a fair housing complaint in Effingham, they are entitled to receive a copy of the respondent's answer — and any amendments — before the hearing is held. This procedural right gives complainants an opportunity to review the other party's factual position in advance of the proceeding. Tenants who have filed a complaint and have questions about the process or their rights at the hearing stage may find it helpful to contact a local tenant-rights organization or consult with a legal aid provider familiar with Effingham's Ch. 17 Art. VI fair housing procedures.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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