The U.S. Department of Justice announced that Danny Bell, the owner and manager of residential rental properties in Somerset, Kentucky, has agreed to pay $150,000 to resolve a lawsuit alleging he sexually harassed female tenants in violation of the Fair Housing Act, according to an official announcement from the department.
Justice Department Case Accused Landlord of Harassing Tenants for Years
The Justice Department’s lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky in April 2023, alleged that Bell sexually harassed female tenants for over a decade, including inside their homes. Specific allegations included offering to forgive rent in exchange for sexual contact, subjecting tenants to unwelcome sexual touching, making unwelcome sexual comments and advances, entering female tenants’ homes without notice or permission, and threatening eviction against tenants who refused his demands.
Under the terms of a proposed consent order, which still must be formally entered by the court, Bell is required to pay $140,000 directly to tenants harmed by the harassment and a $10,000 civil penalty to the United States. The consent order also governs the sale of Bell’s current rental properties and permanently bars him from managing any future residential rental properties. He is additionally prohibited from contacting tenants harmed by his conduct. The order mandates Fair Housing Act training and the adoption of policies and procedures to prevent future discrimination.
This settlement is part of the Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative, which was launched in October 2017 to address and raise awareness about sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers, and others who have control over housing. According to the announcement, since launching the initiative, the department has filed 53 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered over $19 million for victims.
How Renters Can Report Sexual Harassment or Housing Discrimination
For renters and housing assistance recipients who may be affected by similar situations, this case is a reminder that the Fair Housing Act offers legal protections against harassment by landlords and property managers. The Justice Department encourages anyone who believes they have experienced sexual harassment by a landlord or property manager, or other forms of housing discrimination, to call the Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743 or submit a report through the Justice Department’s website.
DOJ cases have involved alleged unwanted sexual comments or advances, demands for sexual contact, offers of reduced/free rent in exchange for sex, unauthorized entry into tenants’ homes, and housing retaliation after advances were rejected. So it is not limited to physical touch.
Readers with questions about their specific housing rights or situations should contact the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division or a qualified housing counselor directly, as individual circumstances vary.
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