Are there any protections for tenants who are victims of sexual harassment in accordance with Fair Housing Law?

Yes, tenants are protected from sexual harassment in accordance with Fair Housing Law in Virginia. The Virginia Fair Housing Law prohibits discrimination based on sex, gender, or gender identity, including sexual harassment. According to the Virginia Fair Housing Law, it is a violation of the law for landlords to permit or engage in unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, physical, or sexual conduct of a sexual nature if it affects an individual’s right to enjoy the premises, creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive living environment, or interferes with an individual’s occupancy of their dwelling unit. Landlords are encouraged to take action to prevent and address any form of sexual harassment that occurs in their rental property. This includes establishing clear policies against sexual harassment, providing information and training to tenants on these policies and procedures, and taking prompt action against any reported incidents of sexual harassment. Tenants who experience sexual harassment are also encouraged to report it to the landlord and the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). If a landlord fails to take appropriate action upon receiving a complaint of sexual harassment, the tenant may contact DHCD to file a complaint, which can result in the landlord being fined or other legal action being taken. It is important that tenants and landlords know and understand their rights and obligations under the Virginia Fair Housing Law in order to ensure that tenants are protected from sexual harassment.

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