Two or more tenants may file a Consolidated Complaint, as of right, for the purpose of initiating an investigation and hearing, unless the complaint is severed as set forth below. The Commission shall hear consolidated complaints in the same manner that separate complaints can be consolidated under § 33.77. The Commission shall establish procedures to administer consolidated complaints in accordance with this subchapter. The Commission shall provide forms that facilitate and simplify the filing of such complaints.
(A) The Commission shall prepare and make available a complaint form for use by Persons desiring to file consolidated complaints. The form for the consolidated complaint shall provide for the following information:
(1) The name and contact information for each individual tenant who wishes to be a party to the complaint.
(2) The name and contact information for any person(s) authorized to act as a representative of the complainants.
(3) An explanation of the facts and law common to the parties to the complaint.
(4) Addenda to explain the facts and law pertaining to individual parties.
(B) Upon the filing of a consolidated complaint, the Commission shall assign separate case numbers to each party and set a date for a consolidated hearing. Each party and authorized representative shall be permitted to testify in accordance with procedures determined by the Commission.
(C) Following an investigation or hearing for a consolidated complaint, the Commission and/or the Commission's designated staff, on its own motion or the motion of any party, shall have the discretion to sever a party from the consolidated complaint for the purpose of issuing orders based on the particular circumstances of individual parties.
(Am. Ord. 734, passed 1-17-23)