Matthew D. Krueger, Sexual Harassment, Wisconsin 2023

Sexual Harassment in Housing Soars Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

As the COVID-19 pandemic pushes many people to the brink of housing insecurity, U.S. Attorney Matthew D. Krueger of the Eastern District of Wisconsin warns of a growing menace: sexual harassment in housing.

According to Krueger, the pandemic has created a new context for unscrupulous housing providers to commit such violations, and his office is urging anyone who has witnessed or experienced sexual harassment by a landlord, property manager, maintenance worker, or anyone with control over housing to report that conduct to the U.S. government.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office has received reports of housing providers trying to exploit the crisis to sexually harass tenants. Sexual harassment in housing is illegal, and the government stands ready to investigate such allegations and pursue enforcement action where appropriate.

Sexual harassment in housing is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by the Fair Housing Act, and the government is taking steps to combat this issue through the Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative. Launched in 2017, the initiative has filed lawsuits across the country alleging a pattern and practice of sexual harassment in housing and recovered millions of dollars in damages for harassment victims.

The government’s investigations frequently uncover sexual harassment that has been ongoing for years. Many individuals do not know that being sexually harassed by a housing provider can violate federal law or that the government may be able to help.

Anyone who has experienced sexual harassment in housing, or knows someone who has, is encouraged to contact the Civil Rights Division by calling (844) 380-6178 or emailing fairhousing@usdoj.gov. Individuals who believe they may have been victims of discrimination may also contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin at (414) 297-1700. Furthermore, individuals may file a complaint alleging harassment or discrimination in housing with the Department of Housing and Urban Development through HUD’s website or by calling (800) 669-9777.

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