Copyright © n.d.
National Housing Law Project
614 Grand Ave, Suite 320
Oakland, CA 94610
510-251-9400
This project was supported by Grant No. 2008-TA-AX-K030 awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.
Have you experienced unwanted touching, unwanted sexual advances, sexual jokes, comments, or gestures in your rental housing?
Fair housing laws may help you.
What are my rights?
Under state and federal laws, it is illegal for landlords or their employees to discriminate against tenants because of their sex. They also cannot sexually harass tenants. These laws are known as “fair housing laws.” They may protect you from sexual harassment and discrimination in housing.
What is sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment can be many things, such as sexual favors, unwanted sexual advances, touching or comments of a sexual nature.
For example:
The landlord tells you he’ll only keep renting to you if you go on a date with him.
A maintenance person comes to fix your sink and makes sexual jokes, comments, and gestures to you while there.
Your property manager tells you, “I’ll take $100 off your rent—if you…”
You experience harassing behavior directed at you because of your sex.
Who must obey the law?
Fair housing laws apply to a variety of people, including:
Landlords
Property managers
Maintenance people
Other tenants
If the landlord or manager knew or should have known about the harassment and did not stop it, the landlord or manager could be held responsible.
What should I do if I have been sexually harassed?
If you are experiencing sexual harassment, act quickly. Tell someone about it. Write down the following:
What happened.
When and where it happened.
The name of the harasser.
The names, addresses, and phone numbers of any witnesses or any other tenants who have been harassed.
Keep any documents related to the harassment, such as:
Notes or gifts from the harasser.
Rent increase notices.
Warning notices.
Eviction notices.
Who can help me?
If you have been sexually harassed in your housing, contact a legal aid attorney or fair housing agency. They can help explain your rights and options. If you fear that the harasser may harm you or your family, call the police immediately.
Can I be evicted if I report the harassment?
It is illegal for the landlord to try to evict you or raise your rent for reporting the harassment. If you receive any type of eviction notice, call a legal aid office immediately.
What are some of my options?
If you are a victim of sexual harassment, some of your options include:
Having legal aid contact the landlord to make the harassment stop.
Having a fair housing agency investigate the harassment.
Filing a complaint with government agencies.
Suing the harasser in court.
You only have a limited time to enforce your rights, so it is important to seek help from legal aid or a fair housing agency quickly.
To file a complaint against your housing provider:
Department of Housing and Urban Development, 1-800-669-9777
To get counseling about the harassment you experienced:
National Sexual Assault Hotline, 1-800-656-4673