Anthony Hubbard, Sexual Harassment, Ohio 2023

Anthony Hubbard, a Toledo landlord, and his affiliates have agreed to pay $100,000 to resolve a lawsuit alleging he engaged in sexual harassment of female tenants at his rental properties.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Hubbard made unwelcome sexual advances and comments to female tenants, sent them unwanted sexual text messages, videos, and photos, and offered to reduce or excuse their monthly rental payments in exchange for sex acts. He also entered the homes of female tenants without their consent and prior notice.

The lawsuit alleged that Hubbard carried out some of this sexual harassment while managing properties on behalf of his affiliates, making them liable for the harassment.

‘People deserve to be safe in their homes and sexual harassment in housing deprives them of that right,’ said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Civil Rights Division. ‘The Justice Department will not tolerate landlords who abuse their power by sexually harassing their tenants.’

The settlement, which must still be approved by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, requires Hubbard to pay a total of $90,000 to three female tenants who were harmed by his harassment and a $10,000 civil penalty to the United States.

Under the terms of the settlement, Hubbard is prohibited from continuing to manage rental housing, and he must retain an independent property manager to manage any rental properties he owns now or in the future. The defendants must also receive fair housing training and implement comprehensive non-discrimination policies and complaint procedures to prevent sexual harassment at their properties in the future.

This case was jointly litigated by attorneys in the Civil Rights Division and the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio. The Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative is led by the Civil Rights Division, in coordination with U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country. Since launching the initiative in October 2017, the Justice Department has filed 21 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered over $2.5 million for victims of such harassment.

Individuals who believe they have been victims of sexual harassment or other forms of housing discrimination can report it by calling the Justice Department at 1-800-896-7743, emailing the Justice Department at fairhousing@usdoj.gov, or submitting a report online.

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