Sexual harassment is defined as "deliberate or repeated unsolicited verbal comments, gestures, or physical contact of a sexual nature which are unwelcome." If your landlord or his/her employee is sexually harassing you, his/her conduct may be in violation of the Federal Fair Housing Law if it creates the following conditions:
You do not have to suffer through sexual harassment as a condition of your rental relationship. The Federal Fair Housing Law, as amended in 1988, recognizes sexual harassment as a violation. You have the right to sue in Federal Court or to file a complaint through HUD to have the matter investigated. If the behavior complained of is by an employee, you may file a complaint against both the employee and the property owner. Any person who feels that he/she has been a victim can file a complaint no later than one year after the alleged harassment occured. You can file the complaint in person at your local HUD office or by mail and send it to:
Fair HousingIf you wish to file in Federal Court, you are best advised to talk with an attorney.
This Form Letter is a sample of a letter you might draft and send to the landlord before beginning legal proceedings.
How to use a form letter.