Landlords Demand Sex for Rent, Georgia 2020

ATLANTA – A disturbing trend has emerged in Georgia as the nation grapples with the COVID-19 crisis. In a desperate attempt to make ends meet, many Georgians have been forced to seek abatements or suspensions of their rent. However, some landlords have responded with predatory practices, including demands for sexual favors in exchange for rent deferments.

According to U.S. Attorney Byung J. ‘BJay’ Pak, many landlords have shown understanding and care in these circumstances, working with their tenants to weather the current crisis. However, there have been reports of landlords who have responded to requests to defer rent payments with demands for sexual favors and other acts of unwelcome sexual conduct.

“Such behavior is despicable, and illegal,” said Pak. “Sexual harassment in housing includes demands for sex or sexual acts in order to buy, rent, or continue renting a home. It also includes other unwelcome sexual conduct that makes it hard to keep living in or feel comfortable in your home.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia and the Civil Rights Division are leading an effort to combat sexual harassment in housing. The initiative aims to address sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers, or other people who have control over housing.

Attorney General William Barr has directed the Civil Rights Division and every U.S. Attorney’s Office to devote all necessary resources to investigate reports of housing-related sexual harassment resulting from the current crisis. To report sexual harassment in housing, Georgians can call the toll-free phone number (1-844-380-6178), email , or visit the webpage.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia and the Civil Rights Division will work with all federal agencies, as well as state and local officials, on reports of housing-related sexual harassment. They stand ready to take aggressive action against this misconduct whenever it occurs.

For further information, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

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