Cal. Civ. Code § 961
Penalties
Operative Text
Any person who shall wilfully resist, prevent, impede or interfere with the Commission, its members, agents or agencies in the performance of duties pursuant to this act, or shall wilfully violate an order of the Commission, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500.00), or to undergo imprisonment not exceeding thirty (30) days, or both, in the discretion of the court, but procedure for the review of an order shall not be deemed to be such wilful conduct.
Under 43 P.S. § 961, Pennsylvania law treats willful obstruction of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission—or willful violation of one of its orders—as a misdemeanor offense. A person found guilty may face a fine ranging from $100 to $500, up to 30 days of imprisonment, or both, at the court's discretion. Importantly, the provision clarifies that pursuing a formal review of a Commission order does not itself constitute willful interference.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission proceedings under 43 P.S. § 961 are generally expected to cooperate fully with Commission members, agents, and agencies carrying out their duties. Compliant operators do not obstruct investigations, ignore Commission orders, or take actions designed to impede the Commission's work. Separately pursuing a legal review of a Commission order, however, is explicitly protected conduct under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under 43 P.S. § 961, tenants should be aware that the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission has legal authority that is backed by criminal penalties for those who willfully obstruct it or defy its orders. If a landlord is subject to a Commission order related to a housing matter and appears to be ignoring or defying it, tenants may have grounds to report that conduct to the Commission directly. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Pennsylvania fair housing law can help explain what options may be available when a Commission order is not being followed.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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