Sexual Harassment by Housing Providers
Sexual Harassment in Housing
Sexual harassment by housing providers is illegal under the Fair Housing Act and other federal laws. These laws also prohibit harassment because of race, color, religion, national origin, familial status, or disability.
What Is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment in housing is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by the Fair Housing Act. Sex discrimination is also prohibited by other federal laws. There are two main types of sexual harassment: (1) quid pro quo sexual harassment; and (2) hostile environment sexual harassment.
Quid Pro Quo
Quid pro quo harassment occurs when a housing provider requires a person to submit to an unwelcome request to engage in sexual conduct as a condition of obtaining or maintaining housing or housing-related services. For example:
A landlord tells an applicant he won’t rent her an apartment unless she has sex with him.
A property manager evicts a tenant after she refuses to perform sexual acts.
A maintenance man refuses to make repairs unless a tenant gives him nude photos of herself.
Hostile Environment
Hostile environment harassment occurs when a housing provider subjects a person to severe or pervasive unwelcome sexual conduct that interferes with the sale, rental, availability, or terms, conditions, or privileges of housing or housing-related services, including financing. For example:
A landlord subjects a tenant to severe or pervasive unwelcome touching, kissing, or groping.
A property manager makes severe or pervasive unwelcome, lewd comments about a tenant’s body.
A maintenance person sends a tenant severe or pervasive unwelcome, sexually suggestive texts and enters his or her apartment without invitation or permission.
For more information on sexual harassment in housing, visit HUD’s website.