Initiative targets sex harassment in housing

Federal authorities are cracking down on anyone who sexually harasses an individual in need of housing during the COVID-19 housing pandemic.

“Many landlords have responded to this circumstance with understanding and care, and are working with tenants as this crisis persists,” said U.S. Attorney for Connecticut John Durham. “However, there have been reports that some landlords have responded to requests to defer rent payments with demands for sexual favors and other acts of unwelcome sexual conduct. This behavior is not tolerated in normal times, and certainly will not be tolerated now.”

The Department of Justice has announced creation of the Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative. The initiative is led by the Civil Rights Division in coordination with U.S. Attorney’s Offices nationwide.

Durham announced last week that the Department of Justice is “deploying all available enforcement tools” against the suspects of sexual harassment incidents in housing.

In a news release, Durham said anyone who experienced or witnessed sexual harassment by a landlord, property manager, maintenance worker or anyone with control over housing should report the incident.

The Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices enforce the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits housing discrimination on the basis of color, race, religion, sex, familial status, national origin and disability. The act classifies sexual harassment as a form of sex discrimination.

The pandemic has affected the ability for many to pay rent on time and has driven up housing insecurity. Since the start of the outbreak, the news release said, the justice department has gotten reports of housing providers exploiting the crisis to sexually harass tenants.

Allegations are investigated and enforcement pursued through local, state and federal law enforcement.

“I encourage all victims and witnesses to report any instances of this despicable and criminal conduct immediately,” Durham said.

Anyone who has experienced or witnessed sexual harassment in housing during the pandemic can report it by calling 844-3806178 or emailing fairhousing@usdoj.gov.

Anyone who thinks they might have been the victim of discrimination can also contact Durham’s office by calling 203-821-3700 or emailing USACT.Citizenscomplaint@usdoj.gov.

Complaints of alleged harassment or discrimination in housing can also be filed through the Department of Housing and Urban Development through the HUD website or by calling 800-669-9777.