(a) Any person aggrieved in any manner by an unfair real property practice may file a written complaint setting forth his or her grievance with the Municipal Attorney. Such complaint shall state the name and address of the complainant and of the person or persons against whom the complaint is brought and shall also state the alleged facts surrounding the alleged unfair real property practice.
(b) Upon the filing of any complaint, the Municipal Attorney shall make a prompt investigation in connection therewith. The Municipal Attorney may, on his or her own initiative, conduct such an investigation of any alleged unfair real property practice without the necessity of a written complaint having been filed. This investigation shall be conducted within the discretion of the Municipal Attorney, and he or she need make a formal report. If he or she determines after such investigation that no probable cause exists in connection with the alleged unfair real property practice, he or she shall so advise the complainant in writing. If he or she determines after such investigation that probable cause exists in connection with the alleged unfair real property practice, he or she shall immediately endeavor to eliminate the alleged practice by conference, conciliation and persuasion. In case of failure to eliminate such practice, the Municipal Attorney, if in his or her judgment circumstances so warrant, shall instruct the complainant to execute the appropriate affidavit charging the alleged offender with the alleged violation of this chapter, and shall instruct the complainant to file the affidavit with the clerk of the court having competent jurisdiction. Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting the Municipal Attorney from executing and filing the affidavit himself or herself.
(c) The clerk of the court of competent jurisdiction shall not accept for filing any affidavit alleging any violation of this chapter unless the Municipal Attorney has approved in writing the filing thereof.
(Ord. 21-69. Passed 4-28-69.)