Sexual Harassment:
Housing Discrimination
What is it and what to do if you experience it?
What is Sexual Harassment discrimination under Federal Fair Housing Protections?
Federal laws such as the Fair Housing Act, along with California state laws, provide protections against sexual harassment for renters. These laws prohibit landlords, property managers and maintenance workers from engaging in any form of sexual harassment.
Sexual harassment and your housing:
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There are generally two types of sexual harassment: Quid Pro Quo and Hostile Environment.
Often victims of sexual harassment suffer both.
(1) Quid Pro Quo, or “This for That,” harassment is when a housing provider asks for sex or sexual favors to avoid eviction or in exchange for free rent, repairs, excused late payments or fees, etc.
(2) A Hostile Environment is when a housing provider creates a threatening or uncomfortable environment because of unwanted sexual behavior. Examples include: when your landlord enters your unit without permission, makes unwanted sexual advances or comments, touches you, or threatens to evict you if you turn down his sexual advances.
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Can a single incident of harassment be enough to file a claim? ​
Yes, it can, especially if it is sufficiently severe — for example, an instance of assault, battery, or extreme verbal abuse, or if the conduct occurred inside your home. Just one incident that affects the use and enjoyment of your housing may create a hostile environment that is actionable.
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Signs of Sexual Harassment:
It is important for tenants to recognize these signs and understand that such behavior is illegal and unacceptable:
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Unwanted sexual advances or requiring sexual favors for housing rights or privileges.
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Sexually charged comments from owner, manager, employee, or neighbors.
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Requests for sexual favors.
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Sending or displaying sexually explicit photos or texts.
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Recurring flirting, winking, or whistling that a reasonable person would consider offensive.
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Threats (physical or psychological) that relate to sex.
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Retaliation if sexual favors are refused.​
If you are worried about retaliation, please note...
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It is illegal for your landlord to try to evict you or raise your rent for reporting sexual harassment.
It is also illegal to coerce, intimidate, or interfere with a person seeking to exercise rights under the Fair Housing Act.
What do I do if I am experiencing sexual harassment in my housing?
If you believe you have experienced housing discrimination:
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Contact Project Sentinel and report the discrimination to us.
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Contact your local sexual assault/domestic violence agency.
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Keep a journal of incidents of sexual harassment. Write down what you experienced, including names, dates, addresses, rental terms, and any other details about your interaction.
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Keep any documents related to the harassment, including all emails and text communications.
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Following the incident, you have one year to file an administrative complaint or two years to file a lawsuit in court.
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Do not wait until you are evicted before you report sexual harassment.
Retaliation is Illegal!
It is illegal for your landlord to retaliate against you for reaching out to a fair housing agency like Project Sentinel for help.
Our services are completely free and our Fair Housing Center is not affiliated with any government agencies or entities.
Project Sentinel does not discriminate based on income, race, or national origin. Do not hesitate to call and reach out for help.
Contact Project Sentinel for Assistance
​Project Sentinel is a nonprofit fair housing agency that provides education and counseling to community members, housing providers, and tenants about the fair housing laws. We also investigate complaints and advocate for those who have experienced housing discrimination.
Know Your Rights
Under federal and state Fair Housing laws, it is illegal for anyone involved
with the sale or rental of housing including owners, property managers and staff, real estate agents, HOAs, shelters, banks, and mobile home parks to:
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refuse to rent or sell a home
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charge higher rent or security deposit
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steer people to or from homes in certain neighborhoods or buildings
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evict a tenant
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apply different rules or criteria, or otherwise
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treat people differently
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harass or threaten a housing seeker, their friends, and family members
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...because of one of the following protected characteristics:
Federally Protected Classes:
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Race
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Color
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National origin
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Religion
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Sex
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Disability
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Familial status*
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California protects all the same federal classes but offers additional classes of protection.
California Protected Classes:
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Veteran or Military Status
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Ancestry
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Gender Identity & Expression
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Source of Income**
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Sexual Orientation
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Marital Status
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Immigration Status
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Primary Language
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Citizenship
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Arbitrary Characteristics​ (that have no relation to one's ability to be a good tenant.)
*Family with children under the age of 18
**Section 8/ Federal, State, or Local Public Assistance & Housing Subsidies