The attempted resolution of issues raised by a fair housing complaint through informal negotiations involving the aggrieved person, the respondent, and the Secretary of HUD is called what?

• A. Litigation
• B. Conciliation
• C. Mediation
• D. Arbitration

Answer: (B)

Conciliation is the informal, government‑led effort to resolve a fair housing complaint through negotiations between the complainant and the respondent, with involvement from HUD. In this process, the parties work toward a voluntary agreement—often documented in a conciliation agreement—that specifies remedies and steps to prevent future discrimination. It is less formal than litigation and not a neutral mediation; the government agency drives the discussion and oversees the effort to achieve an acceptable settlement. This differs from mediation, where a neutral mediator facilitates talks but does not typically have authority to offer remedies or compel compliance, from arbitration, where a neutral arbitrator issues a binding decision, and from litigation, which involves a court proceeding.