Fair Housing

What is 'sexual harassment' in housing and how does it violate Pennsylvania fair housing law?

ASexual harassment in housing is only a criminal matter, not a fair housing violation

BUnwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other sexual conduct creating a hostile environment or conditioning housing on sexual favors violates the Fair Housing Act's sex protections✓ Correct

CSexual harassment only violates fair housing law in the workplace, not in housing

DPennsylvania has no specific protections against sexual harassment in housing

Explanation

Sexual harassment in housing violates the Fair Housing Act's prohibition on sex discrimination. Two forms: (1) quid pro quo harassment — conditioning housing (tenancy, repairs, lease renewal) on sexual favors; (2) hostile environment harassment — severe or pervasive conduct creating an intimidating housing environment.

People Also Study

Key Terms to Know

Fair Housing Act

Federal law prohibiting discrimination in the sale, rental, or financing of housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and familial status.

Joint Tenancy

Co-ownership where two or more people hold equal, undivided interests with the right of survivorship — when one owner dies, their share passes to the surviving owners.

Steering

An illegal practice where a real estate agent directs buyers toward or away from certain neighborhoods based on the buyer's race, religion, national origin, or other protected characteristics.

Blockbusting

An illegal practice of inducing homeowners to sell by claiming that the entry of minority groups will lower property values.