On September 3, 2024, HUD’s Office of Multifamily Housing Programs sent out the following information:
The Office of Multifamily Housing Programs is making owners, agents, and residents aware of information regarding preventing sexual harassment and bullying at HUD properties. The Preventing and Addressing Sexual and Other Discriminatory Harassment in Housing webpage contains links that will help you understand what sexual harassment in housing looks like and how it may violate the Fair Housing Act. This webpage includes fact sheets and training videos illustrating sexual and other discriminatory harassment in housing and the actions taken by housing providers and residents to resolve harassment of any kind.
See additional information for property owners and managers in the Preventing and Addressing Harassment in Housing Fact Sheet.
The preface reads as follows:
“Sexual Harassment in Housing is Illegal, as is harassment based on race, color, religion, national origin, familial status, or disability. All property owners and managers are responsible for helping ensure their housing is free from discriminatory harassment of any type. By explaining what harassment is, who can be liable for it, and steps you can take to help prevent and address it, this fact sheet can help you ensure you meet your Fair Housing Act obligations”.
As a reminder, other types of illegal harassment include severe or pervasive offensive remarks or hostile behavior because of a person’s race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin. This is an important issue and training is available for owners, agents, and other housing providers regarding harassment and bullying.
For more information, direct residents to these websites:
- Housing Discrimination Under the Fair Housing Act
- Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
- Equal Access Rule
- Find Your Local Field Office
To report housing discrimination by phone:
- (800) 669-9777
- Federal Relay Service/TTY: (800) 877-8339