§ 10-8. Complaints; penalties; enforcement.

(a) Complaints to Commissioner.

(1) Any person subjected to any unlawful practice as set forth in this subtitle may file a complaint in writing with the Commissioner of the Department of Housing and Community Development.

(2) The Commissioner of the Department of Housing and Community Development is hereby authorized and directed to receive complaints filed pursuant to this subtitle and to conduct such investigations and hearings as he deems necessary.

(b) Actions by Commissioner.

Whenever it is determined by the Commissioner of the Department of Housing and Community Development that there has been a violation of this subtitle the Commissioner is authorized to commence with 1 or more of the following procedures:

(1) attempt to conciliate the matter by conference or otherwise and secure a written conciliation agreement; or

(2) seek a written assurance of discontinuance which shall be signed by the developer and the Commissioner; or

(3) refer the matter to the City Solicitor for injunctive or other appropriate legal action.

(d) Penalties.

Any owner or developer who violates any provision of this subtitle shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be subject to a fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment for a period of not more than 6 months, or both.

(e) Injunctive action.

In addition to any criminal or other penalty herein provided, injunctive or other appropriate action or proceeding to correct a violation of this subtitle may be instituted by the City Solicitor and any court of competent jurisdiction may issue restraining orders, temporary or permanent injunctions or other appropriate forms of relief.

(f) Other rights preserved.

Nothing herein shall prevent any person from exercising any right or seeking any remedy to which such person might otherwise be entitled or from filing an appropriate complaint with a court of law or equity.