(A) The rights granted by §§ 71.102, 71.103, 71.104, and 71.105 may be enforced by civil actions in state or local courts of general jurisdiction. A civil action shall be commenced within one hundred eighty (180) days after the alleged discriminatory housing practice occurred; provided, however, that the court shall continue the civil case brought pursuant to this section or § 71.109(D) from time to time before bringing it to trial if the court believes that the conciliation efforts of the Mayor are likely to result in satisfactory settlement of the discriminatory housing practice complained of in the complaint made to the Mayor and which practice forms the basis for the action is consummated prior to the issuance of any court order issued under the authority of this article, and involving a bona fide purchaser, encumbrancer, or tenant without actual notice of the existence of the filing of a complaint or civil action under the provisions of this article shall not be affected.
(B) The court may grant as relief, as it deems appropriate, any permanent or temporary injunction, temporary restraining order, or other order and may award to the plaintiff, actual damages and not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) punitive damages, together with court cost and reasonable attorney fees in the case of a prevailing plaintiff; provided, that the plaintiff, in the opinion of the court, is not financially able to assume the attorney's fees.
(Ord. 1-1987, passed - -)