A government agency in the US state of Hawaii has reported an increase in the number of women reporting landlords asking for sexual favours in exchange for rent.
The Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women noted more cases being reported, suggesting that landlords are “preying” on tenants’ financial stress during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Due to recent layoffs and furloughs, only 69 per cent of US renters were able to make rent on April 1.
Immigration attorney Kevin Block says instead of asking for rent, some landlords are asking for “other arrangements” and even sending graphic sexual images when female tenants ask about rent.
“I am concerned because reported incidents indicate a greater number of unreported incidents,” Mr Block said.
Khara Jabola-Carolus, Executive Director of the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women says sexual harassment by landlords makes it hard for women to shelter-in-place.
“There was no plan upfront to prepare for the physical and sexual violence from the combination of shelter-in-place, lost income and systemic sexism,” Ms Jabola-Carolus said.
“We need to get the information on rights and resources out as fast and wide as we can. There is help.”
An online guide was created by the Hawaii State Commission for women if they are victimised by a landlord. The Commission will offer guidance on the emergency rent assistance and will also be keeping a database of bad landlords.
Anyone victimised by a landlord should file a complaint. Normally, tenants would have 180 days to report the incident to the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission (HCRC), which takes jurisdiction unless it’s a federally funded entity.
Since HCRC is closed due to the pandemic, victims are advised to contact the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii.
Ms Jabola-Carolus added: “Retaliation by a landlord for filing a complaint against him is illegal. If your landlord changes the locks or shuts off your utilities for complaining about his sexual predation, you can file a landlord-tenant TRO against your landlord and the court will take these cases during the crisis.
Please contact Legal Aid Society of Hawaii for help with retaliation. There are no income limits for their help when it comes to fair housing matters.”
