PRECEDENT SEXUAL HARASSMENT FAIR HOUSING CASE WON BY CSA SAN DIEGO COUNTY

By: Jared Hernandez, Program Manager

September 17, 2024 (San Diego) -- Sexual harassment by landlords or property managers is a form of discrimination that violates the Fair Housing Act. This law, designed to ensure equal access to housing, prohibits not only discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability but also includes protections against sexual harassment. For many tenants, particularly vulnerable groups like low-income single mothers, sexual harassment can be a devastating barrier to securing safe and stable housing.

In a significant development, CSA of San Diego County, San Diego’s fair housing agency, announced in August the precedent-setting settlement of CSA v. Neri (case 3:23-cv-01369), a case alleging sexual harassment of female tenants by San Diego landlord Ron Neri. Under the terms of the settlement, Neri will pay a global amount of $275,000 and is required to change his business practices pursuant to a consent decree.

The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California in July 2023, alleges that Neri violated the Fair Housing Act by targeting low-income single mothers with housing vouchers for sexual harassment. The plaintiffs included former, current, and prospective tenants. CSA of San Diego County, also a plaintiff, investigated the tenants’ claims. Neri contested all claims in the complaint and denied any liability.

“This outcome sets a strong precedent that fair housing laws in San Diego County will be enforced,” said Estela De Los Rios, Executive Director of CSA San Diego County Fair Housing. “Sexual harassment in housing is a serious violation of individuals' rights and dignity. This settlement emphasizes our agency’s commitment to holding perpetrators accountable and ensuring that all individuals have access to safe, secure, and discrimination-free housing.”

If you or anyone you know has any questions on sexual harassment and fair housing, please reach out to CSA San Diego. CSA is a nonprofit organization that emphasizes fair housing laws through programs, advocacy, and providing services that actively work against discrimination in housing. Visit C4SA.org to find out more or call at (619) 444-5700.

Correction: An earlier version of this story had an inaccurate settlement amount due to a typo.  The correct amount is $275,000.