Sexual harassment like requests for sexual favors, unwanted sexual advances, or other unwelcome physical or verbal conduct of sexual activity is against the law and recognized as a form of sex discrimination. The federal FHA (Fair Housing Act) outlaws sex discrimination, including sexual harassment. This impacts the terms or conditions of housing and is used as a foundation for housing decisions. Also, it has the effect of unreasonably interfering with housing prerogatives, or creates an intimidating, offensive, or hostile environment. Many states and cities have regulations with additional sanctuary against sexual discrimination and sexual harassment beyond those provided by federal law.
fair Housing Toolkit
The Fair Hosing toolkit is designed to assist and support people who may encounter housing discrimination because of sexual harassment. The toolkit will help them to assert their equities under the Fair Housing Act. The toolkit incorporates:
- Information about the legal rights;
- Steps to take if the legal rights have been violated; and
- How and where to turn for help
The Fair Housing Act (FHA)
According to HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development), housing discrimination is a serious nationwide issue. It is estimated that more than two million cases of discrimination in housing occur every year. However, less than 1% of these occurrences are filed. Reporting discrimination can assist both the complainant and others by preventing the housing provider from engaging in discriminatory behavior.
Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), housing providers including management companies, home sellers, homeowners’ insurance firms, landlords, real estate agents, and lending institutions are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of;
- Race
- National Origin
- Color
- Religion
- Disability
- Familial Status, or
- Sex
Sexual harassment is recognized as a form of sex discrimination that is outlawed by the Fair Housing Act. Several states and cities have laws with further protections against harassment. For instance, the District of Columbia Human Rights Act outlaws discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of sexual orientation, gender expression, and gender identity.
What Does Sexual Harassment Looks Like?
Sexual harassment in housing can take several different forms like;
- It can take the form of unwelcome requests for sexual favors, sexual advances, and other physical or verbal conduct of a sexual nature.
- It can take the form of insults, offensive remarks, or other hostile behavior due to a person’s gender.
- It can consist of written, oral, or other conduct and doesn’t require physical contact between the victim and harasser.
To know more about sexual harassment and Fair Housing Act, attend the Compliance Prime webinar. In the webinar topics like Quid pro quo, hostile environment, and many others will also be discussed in detail.
