(a) The rights granted to persons under this chapter may be enforced by aggrieved private persons by filing civil actions in the Court of Common Pleas. No person shall be compelled to be a witness against himself. The civil action shall be commenced within 180 days after the alleged discriminatory housing practice occurred.
(b) If the Court finds that a discriminatory housing practice has occurred or is about to occur, the Court may enjoin the respondent from engaging in such practice or order such affirmative action as may be appropriate.
(c) Any sale, encumbrance, or rental consummated prior to the issuance of any court order issued under the authority of this section, and involving a bona fide purchaser, encumbrancer, or tenant without actual notice of the existence of a charge by a complainant under this chapter or a civil action under this chapter is not affected.
(d) Upon application by the plaintiff and in such circumstances as the court deems just, the court in which a civil action under this section has been brought may appoint an attorney for the plaintiff and may authorize the commencement of a civil action upon proper showing without the payment of costs.
(e) The court may grant such relief as it deems appropriate, including a permanent or temporary injunction, temporary restraining order, or other order, and may award to the plaintiff actual damages, together with the court costs.
(f) The court shall notify the Ohio Civil Rights Commission of any finding pertaining to discriminatory housing practices within fifteen days of the finding.
(Ord. 86-25. Passed 3-25-86.)