U.S. Attorney’s Office asking public to report predatory housing practices during crisis

The Northern District of Ohio U.S. Attorney’s Office is asking the public to report predatory housing practices.

U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman sent a letter to Northern Ohio housing advocacy groups asking anyone who has witnessed or experienced sexual harassment by a landlord, property manager, maintenance worker, or anyone with control over housing to report that conduct to the Department of Justice.

“As a result of the COVID-19 public health crisis, many in our communities have found themselves out of work, furloughed, or otherwise in dire financial straits,” Herdman said in the letter. “This has led many to seek abatements or suspensions of their rent or to seek other accommodations during this time. While many landlords and housing providers have positively responded with understanding, others have seen an opportunity to exploit the financially vulnerable through demands for sexual favors and other acts of unwelcome sexual misconduct.

“Please know that the U.S. Attorney’s Office remains ready to investigate complaints of sexual harassment in housing and to deploy all available enforcement tools against anyone who engages in this behavior.”

According to a recent memo from U.S. Attorney General William Barr, there have been reports of landlords who have responded

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to requests to defer rent payments with demands for sexual favors and other acts of unwelcome sexual conduct. Such behavior is illegal under the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin and disability. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by the Act.

Barr directed U.S. Attorney’s Offices to investigate reports of housing-related sexual harassment resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a news release from the Northern District of Ohio office.

The Northern District of Ohio U.S. Attorney’s Office will work closely with state and local partners to identify incidents of sexual harassment in housing, according to the release.

The office is encouraging anyone who has experienced sexual harassment in housing, or knows someone who has, to contact the Civil Rights Division at 844-380-6178 or airhousing@usdoj.gov. Those who believe they may have been victims of discrimination may also contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio at 216622-3932 or USAOHNCivilRights@usdoj.gov. Individuals may file a complaint alleging harassment or discrimination in housing with the Department of Housing and Urban Development through HUD’s website or by calling 800-669-9777.