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There are new allegations about the rise of sexual harassment by landlords due to Coronavirus. With more people at home and out of work, some landlords see it as an opportunity to coerce renters who are unable to pay rent.
According to the Department of Labor, a whopping 22 million Americans have filed for unemployment as a result of losing their jobs since Coronavirus plagued the nation.
This has left some renters unable to pay for their rent in the upcoming months. Plenty of tenants have had to notify their landlords that they are unable to pay for rent. However, some landlords have offered “sex-for-rent” to tenants in order to cover the cost.
In Chicago, Sheryl Ring, the legal director of Open Communities, a legal aid and fair housing organization in the area that provided services to the community, reported to BuzzFeed News that housing-related sexual harassment complaints have risen three times than normal.
As Ring explained to BuzzFeed, “Since this started, [landlords] have been taking advantage of the financial hardships many of their tenants have in order to coerce their tenants into a sex-for-rent agreement — which is absolutely illegal.”
Additional allegations come from Hawaii. The Commission on the Status of Women, a state-run commission that ensures equality for women throughout Hawaii, reported that their office received more landlord sexual harassment allegations in two days than they received in the last two years.
What to do if your landlord sexually harasses you during Coronavirus?
First, you should seek an experienced sexual harassment attorney. Even though courts have closed except for essential matters, most firms are still operational. There’s still plenty a law firm can do in regard to your claim. Such as draft an initial sexual harassment complaint.
Second, gather any records, text messages, emails, or other correspondence that shows your landlord offering sex-for-rent. If you don’t have any material records, then don’t worry. Perhaps your landlord asked you in person and there is no paper trail. There are plenty of other options you and your attorney can take.
Third, be patient, but always be prepared. Your claim may take longer than usual due to the strain that Coronavirus is taking on our legal system. These are difficult times for everybody, so try to be patient with the system, your attorney, and with yourself. It’s ok to feel frustrated during these times.
However, if you continue to experience sexual harassment, then let your attorney know right away. It is always better to let your attorney act now rather than later.
Do you have a sexual harassment claim of your own? Have you been sexually harassed while by your landlord? For questions, send us a message or fill out our free form below for a free consultation with a top NYC law firm.
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