The Trainer: October 2018

September 12, 2018

Preventing and Dealing with Sexual Harassment of Residents 

In this month’s feature, we gave you seven rules for preventing and dealing with sexual harassment of residents. If you or a member of your staff sexually harasses someone, you’re discriminating against that person on the basis of sex and can be liable under fair housing law. Residents can claim that you sexually harassed them by creating a “hostile” or “offensive” housing environment or by saying they can’t live at your site unless they submit to sexual advances.

Preventing and Dealing with Sexual Harassment of Residents 

In this month’s feature, we gave you seven rules for preventing and dealing with sexual harassment of residents. If you or a member of your staff sexually harasses someone, you’re discriminating against that person on the basis of sex and can be liable under fair housing law. Residents can claim that you sexually harassed them by creating a “hostile” or “offensive” housing environment or by saying they can’t live at your site unless they submit to sexual advances. Sexual harassment refers to behavior that is unwelcome and personally offensive, and it can be verbal or physical.

QUESTION #1

A male resident complains that the site manager, a woman, has been repeatedly calling and texting him with sexually suggestive comments and messages. Sexual harassment occurs only when a man harasses a woman, so you don’t have to worry about a sexual harassment complaint. True or false?

a. True.

b. False.

QUESTION #2

A resident reports that a neighbor has been sexually harassing her. If you ignore the complaint, your site could be sued for sexual harassment. True or false?

a. True.

b. False.

QUESTION #3

A male resident has accused a male maintenance worker of sexually harassing him. Your community could face a fair housing complaint for sexual harassment unless you take appropriate action to investigate and resolve the complaint. True or false?

a. True.

b. False.

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ANSWERS & EXPLANATIONS

QUESTION #1

Correct answer: b

Fair housing law protects both men and women from sexual harassment—whether the perpetrator is male or female. Make sure that employees understand that sexual harassment consists of unwelcome sexual conduct—through words or actions—toward prospects, applicants, residents, guests, and other visitors, regardless of their gender.

QUESTION #2

Correct answer: a

If you get a sexual harassment complaint, it’s important to investigate and take prompt action to resolve any problems, regardless of whether it’s against an employee, outside vendor, or a neighbor. Some courts have held owners and managers liable in situations where they knew of tenant-on-tenant harassment and did nothing to stop it.

QUESTION #3

Correct answer: a

Federal fair housing law protects both men and women from sex discrimination, including same-sex sexual harassment. Whether motivated by sexual desire or by hostility toward a particular gender, sexual harassment is unlawful—even if the harasser and the victim are of the same sex.

 

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