Language Translation
Governor Mike Braun
  Close Menu

Sexual Harassment in Housing

Sexual Harassment in Housing

Sexual harassment in housing is a form of illegal discrimination. Housing providers and others involved in providing housing may not subject tenants or housing applicants to unwanted sexual conduct.

Under the Fair Housing Act and Indiana civil rights laws, individuals have the right to live in housing free from harassment based on sex. Sexual harassment may occur when a housing provider, property manager, maintenance worker, or other person involved in housing makes unwanted sexual advances or creates a hostile living environment.

Everyone has the right to access housing without being subjected to sexual harassment.

What Is Sexual Harassment in Housing?

Sexual harassment in housing generally falls into two categories.

Quid pro quo harassment occurs when a housing provider requests sexual favors in exchange for housing benefits or to avoid negative housing actions.

Hostile environment harassment occurs when unwelcome sexual conduct creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive housing environment.

Both forms of harassment may violate fair housing laws.

Examples of Sexual Harassment in Housing:

Sexual harassment can take many forms. Examples may include:

  • A landlord asking a tenant for sexual favors in exchange for reduced rent
  • A housing provider threatening eviction if a tenant refuses sexual advances
  • Repeated unwanted sexual comments, messages, or phone calls from a landlord or property manager
  • Entering a tenant’s home without proper notice in order to make sexual advances
  • Making unwelcome sexual remarks about a tenant’s body or appearance

This behavior may violate fair housing laws when it interferes with a person’s ability to live safely and comfortably in their home.

Who May Be Responsible for Sexual Harassment in Housing?

Sexual harassment may involve different individuals connected to housing.

Examples may include:

  • Landlords
  • Property managers
  • Leasing agents
  • Maintenance staff
  • Other housing employees

In some cases, housing providers may also be responsible if they fail to address harassment occurring between tenants when they are aware of the behavior and have the ability to take action.

Protections Under Fair Housing Laws:

Fair housing laws prohibit discrimination based on sex, including sexual harassment.

Housing providers may not condition housing opportunities, services, or benefits on sexual conduct. They also may not create or allow a housing environment where tenants are subjected to ongoing unwanted sexual behavior.

Tenants and housing applicants have the right to seek housing without being pressured, threatened, or harassed.

What You Can Do If You Experience Sexual Harassment in Housing:

If you experience sexual harassment in housing, it may be helpful to document the behavior.

Examples of documentation may include:

  • Saving text messages, emails, or written communication
  • Keeping notes about dates, times, and what occurred
  • Taking photographs or saving other evidence if appropriate

This information may help if you decide to report the behavior.

If You Believe Your Rights Were Violated

If you believe you were denied housing or treated differently because of a disability or a request for an assistance animal, you may be able to file a discrimination complaint.

The Indiana Civil Rights Commission investigates complaints involving discrimination in housing, employment, education, credit, and public accommodations.

To learn more about filing a complaint, visit the How to File a Discrimination Complaint page.