Cal. Civ. Code § DWD 220.23
Decision and order.
Operative Text
DWD 220.23 Decision and order. (1) Decision and order after hearing on the issue of probable cause. After a hearing on the issue of probable cause, the administrative law judge shall issue a written decision and order which dismisses the allegations of the complaint or which orders that a charge be issued under s. DWD 220.11, depending upon the administrative law judge’s findings and conclusions on the issue of probable cause. If the decision of the administrative law judge concludes that no probable cause exists, a certified copy of the decision and order and a notice of appeal rights shall be sent by first class mail to the last known address of each party and to their attorneys of record. (2) Decision and order after hearing on the merits. After a hearing on the merits, the administrative law judge shall issue a written decision and an order which shall either dismiss the allegations of the complaint or shall order such action by the respondent as shall effectuate the purposes of the act, depending upon the administrative law judge’s findings and conclusions on the merits of the complaint. Economic and noneconomic damages including, but not limited to, lost wages, medical expenses, the increased costs of alternative housing, and compensation for damages caused by emotional distress, damage to reputation, or embarrassment may be ordered. A forfeiture may be ordered under s. 106.50 (6) (h) 2. or 3., Stats., if the respondent’s violation of the act was found to have been willful. A certified copy of the decision and order and a notice of appeal rights shall be sent by first class mail to the last known address of each party and to their attorneys of record.
Under Wis. Admin. Code § DWD 220.23, an administrative law judge (ALJ) issues a written decision and order at two distinct stages of a fair housing complaint proceeding. At the probable-cause stage, the ALJ either dismisses the complaint or directs that a formal charge be issued; if no probable cause is found, all parties receive a certified copy of the decision along with notice of their appeal rights. At the merits stage, the ALJ may dismiss the complaint or order remedies that can include economic damages (such as lost wages or increased housing costs), noneconomic damages (such as compensation for emotional distress or reputational harm), and — when a violation is found to have been willful — a monetary forfeiture under state law.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers named as respondents in a Wisconsin fair housing proceeding should be aware that Wis. Admin. Code § DWD 220.23 establishes two decision points at which an ALJ can impose binding obligations. A compliant operator generally maintains thorough records of all housing-related decisions and communications, since those records become relevant evidence at both the probable-cause and merits hearings. If a merits decision goes against a respondent and a willful violation is found, the order may include not only compensatory damages but also a statutory forfeiture, making early attention to fair housing obligations a standard part of property management practice.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Wis. Admin. Code § DWD 220.23 outlines the remedies that may be available to a complainant who prevails in a Wisconsin fair housing proceeding. If an ALJ finds in a complainant's favor on the merits, the order can cover a broad range of losses — including increased housing costs, medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for emotional distress or damage to reputation — and may also include a forfeiture against the respondent if the violation was willful. Tenants who believe their fair housing rights have been violated may consider contacting a tenant-rights organization or the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development to understand the complaint process, including the appeal rights that attach to any decision issued under this provision.
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 15, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
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