Cincinnati Landlord to Pay $855K Judgment for Sexually Harassing Tenants

A Cincinnati landlord agreed to the entry of an $855,000 civil judgment against him, after admitting that he violated the Fair Housing Act by sexually harassing his female tenants, according to a recent announcement by the Justice Department.

The complaint alleged that the landlord subjected female applicants and residents to unwanted sexual comments and touching, entered the apartments of female residents without notice or permission, granted tangible housing benefits in exchange for sexual favors, and took adverse actions against female residents when they refused his sexual advances.

“The women involved were subjected to intimidating and severe acts of unwanted sexual conduct in their homes, where they expected to feel safe,” Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division, said in a statement. “This judgment reflects the gravity of the alleged conduct.”

The settlement requires the landlord to pay $800,000 in damages to 14 women he sexually harassed and $55,000 in a civil penalty to the United States. In addition, it prohibits him from further acts of discrimination and requires him to retain an independent management company to manage any currently rented units and any future rental properties he acquires.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice