(a) Request for a hearing. If the respondent desires a hearing before an administrative law judge, the respondent shall submit a request for a hearing to HUD and the Office of Hearings and Appeals no later than 15 days following receipt of the complaint, as required by statute. This mandated period cannot be extended.

(b) Answer. In any case in which the respondent has requested a hearing, the respondent shall serve upon HUD and file with the Office of Hearings and Appeals a written answer to the complaint within 30 days of receipt of the complaint, unless such time is extended by the administrative law judge for good cause. The answer shall include the admission or denial of each allegation of liability made in the complaint; any defense on which the respondent intends to rely; any reasons why the civil money penalty should be less than the amount sought in the complaint, based on the factors listed at § 30.80; and the name, address, and telephone number of the person who will act as the respondent's representative, if any.

(c) Filing with the administrative law judges. HUD shall file the complaint and response with the Docket Clerk, Office of Hearings and Appeals, in accordance with § 26.38 of this chapter. If no response is submitted, then HUD may file a motion for default judgment, together with a copy of the complaint, in accordance with § 26.41 of this title.