The Fair Housing Act bars discrimination based on Sex, and by extension sexual harassment towards renters. Do you think a landlord demanding sex or sexual "favors"to repair a leaky roof or toilet, or even to rent an apartment or house is in violation of federal law? Apparently "they" don't because these incidents keep occuring! Sexual harassment by landlords or neighbors can make it hard to live in your home.
I saw these 2 ads online:
Sexual harassment includes:
- Offers to pay rent with sex instead of money
- Use of sexual words in front of you and/or your family
- Sexual assault or rape
Who you are protected from:
Your landlord, your landlord’s employees, and/or your neighbors who sexually harass you.
The word “landlord” includes: public housing authorities property management companies and private landlords
If you find yourself living in fear of a landlord, describing yourself as a prisoner in your own home. Do you go out of your way to avoid them? turning off the lights and TV in the apartment and pretending not to be home every time then doorbell rings, fearing it was the landlord? It''s time to report it.
Thought this only happens in the movies? It doesn't and it's both wrong and illegal. To give you an idea, here are some examples:
- You owe your landlord rent. He says you do not have to pay him if you sleep with him.
- The property manager at your apartment makes comments about your breasts.
- Your landlord touches your body where he should not.
- Your neighbor tells everyone that you are a prostitute.
- Your landlord asks you to take off your clothes. You say no. Your landlord then tries to evict you.
- You told your landlord that your neighbor is sexually harassing you. Your landlord has not tried to help you.
Fair Housing laws protect people living in:
- public housing
- houses
- apartments
- condominiums
- trailer parks
- homeless shelters
You are protected when you are renting or trying to rent. This includes:
- Asking about renting an apartment or house
- Visiting an apartment or house you would like to rent
- Signing a lease
- Paying rent
- Living in your home
- Moving out of your home
You are also protected when you are buying or selling your home. This includes:
- Talking to a real estate agent
- Visiting a house or condo you would like to buy
- Applying for a mortgage
- Going to your closing
- Living in your home
- Moving out of your home
- Selling your home
No national statistics are kept at this time for "sexual harassment in housing." The term, however, encompasses a broad range of landlord misbehavior that includes making lewd comments, stalking, entering homes to watch women while they sleep or shower, extorting sex for rent or repairs, sexual assault and rape.
You can report harassment to a variety of agencies -- including local fair housing organizations, HUD or caseworkers if you receive government assistance.
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