In order to obtain a favorable judgment, a complainant in a discrimination case under the federal Fair Housing Act must prove

While proving damages can be relevant in determining the extent of harm caused by discrimination, it is not a necessary element to establish a violation under the Fair Housing Act. A complainant can succeed in their case solely by demonstrating that discrimination occurred, regardless of specific damages incurred.

Intent is not a requirement for a successful claim under the Fair Housing Act. The law focuses on the discriminatory effects of the actions rather than the motivations behind them. This means that even if the accused party did not intend to discriminate, the complainant can still prevail if they can show that discrimination actually took place.

The Fair Housing Act does not require a complainant to prove that discrimination was unprovoked. The focus is solely on whether discriminatory actions occurred, independent of any external factors or provocations. This standard emphasizes the protection against discrimination itself rather than the circumstances surrounding it.