Brookline, Mass., Code of Bylaws ch 5 5 § 5.5.7
Functions, powers and duties of Commission (Brookline Fair Housing By-Law)
Operative Text
A. All persons who wish to file complaints for violations of this Chapter 5.5 shall be strongly encouraged to refer their complaints to the Chief Diversity Officer for assistance in resolving the complaint. If for good cause shown to the CDO or to the Commission's Complaint Screening Committee, the complainant does not wish to refer the complaint to the CDO, or if the CDO requests recusal, the complaint shall then be handled according to the procedures developed under Section 3.14.3A and approved by the full Commission, with the approval of the Select Board, after review by Town Counsel. Complaints against the Town or its employees shall follow the procedures developed for 3.14.3A(5) (complaints against the Town); complaints against other persons, groups, entities or businesses in the Town shall follow the procedures developed for 3.14.3A(7) (other complaints). B. Whenever the Commission receives a complaint that is or appears to be within the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, hereinafter "MCAD," the Commission shall inform the complainant of their right to file a complaint at the MCAD with the Commission's assistance. C. In addition to the aforementioned complaint-processing responsibilities, the Commission shall have the following additional functions, powers and duties: (1) To make studies and survey and to issue such publications and such results of investigations and research as, in its judgment, will tend to promote goodwill and minimize or eliminate discrimination in housing against persons who are members of a Brookline protected class. (2) To develop courses of instruction, for presentation in public and private schools, public libraries and other suitable places, devoted to eliminating prejudice, intolerance, bigotry and discrimination in housing and showing the need for mutual respect and the achievement of harmonious relations among various groups in the Town of Brookline; (3) To render each year to the Select Board a full report of all the Commission's activities and recommendations regarding this by-law; (4) To create such committees from the members of the Commission as, in the Commission's judgment, will best aid in effectuating the policy of this by-law; (5) To enter into cooperative working agreements with federal, state and other municipal agencies and to enlist the cooperation of the various racial, religious and ethnic groups, civic and community organizations and other groups in order to effectuate the policy of this by-law with respect to Brookline protected classes.
Brookline, Mass., Code of Bylaws Ch. 5.5 § 5.5.7 establishes how the Human Relations Commission handles housing discrimination complaints and outlines its broader civic responsibilities. Complainants are first directed toward the Chief Diversity Officer for resolution assistance, but alternative procedures exist when that path is unavailable or declined for good cause. The Commission is also empowered to conduct research, develop educational programs, report annually to the Select Board, and collaborate with other agencies to reduce housing discrimination against members of Brookline's protected classes.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Ch. 5.5 § 5.5.7, property owners and managers operating in Brookline should be aware that housing discrimination complaints may be routed through the Chief Diversity Officer or, under certain circumstances, through the Commission's formal complaint procedures developed under Section 3.14.3A. Compliant operators generally maintain fair housing practices consistent with Brookline's protected class definitions, recognizing that the Commission actively conducts outreach, education, and research to promote those standards. Landlords may also encounter cooperative efforts between the Commission and federal, state, or local agencies as part of the broader enforcement and education framework this provision authorizes.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Ch. 5.5 § 5.5.7 gives tenants in Brookline a structured path for raising housing discrimination concerns: complaints are initially encouraged to go through the Chief Diversity Officer, though alternative procedures under Section 3.14.3A are available if there is good cause to bypass that step. Tenants should also know that if a complaint appears to fall within the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD), the Commission is required to inform them of their right to file there and to offer assistance in doing so. Tenant-rights organizations and the Commission's own educational resources — developed under this provision — can help individuals understand which complaint pathway may be appropriate for their circumstances.
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 11, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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