WASHINGTON, Aug 6: The US Department of Justice has filed a civil lawsuit against a Pennsylvania landlord, accusing him of sexually harassing a female tenant and retaliating against her after she rejected his alleged advances. The legal action was initiated in the US District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
According to the complaint, Venkatchalam Mani, who owns a rental property in the borough of State College, allegedly subjected the tenant to repeated unwelcome sexual advances, including inappropriate physical contact. Federal authorities claim the alleged misconduct created an unlawful housing environment in violation of the Fair Housing Act.
The lawsuit further alleges that after the tenant refused the landlord’s advances, he failed to address several maintenance requests at the property. Among the unresolved issues was a malfunctioning furnace during the winter season, which later caught fire, raising serious concerns about the safety and well-being of the tenant and her family.
Announcing the legal action, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division said federal authorities remain committed to protecting tenants from discrimination and harassment in housing. She stated that no tenant should face threats, intimidation or sexual misconduct while seeking or occupying a home.
US Attorney Brian D. Miller for the Middle District of Pennsylvania said the federal government would continue taking action against landlords accused of exploiting tenants through harassment, coercion or retaliation. He stressed that such conduct undermines fundamental housing rights and will be pursued under federal law.
The case originated after the tenant lodged a complaint with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Following an investigation, HUD concluded there was sufficient evidence to support allegations of discrimination under the Fair Housing Act and issued a formal charge against the landlord.
The tenant subsequently opted to have the dispute resolved in federal court rather than through an administrative proceeding. As required under the law, HUD referred the matter to the Department of Justice, which has now taken up the case.
The federal lawsuit seeks financial compensation for the tenant and her children while also requesting a court order prohibiting any future discriminatory practices by the landlord. The matter will now proceed before the federal court for further hearings.