In a significant legal victory for tenants' rights, the Justice Department has obtained a $1 million settlement in a sexual harassment lawsuit against Lassen County landlord Joel Lynn Nolen and other defendants connected to his real estate business, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office. This settlement serves to resolve allegations of over a decade of sexual harassment in violation of the Fair Housing Act.
The crux of the complaint, initiated in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California earlier in February 2023, pointed to instances where female tenants and those seeking tenancy were subjected to sexual impositions, such as unwelcome touching and coercion for sexual acts under threats of eviction or promises of leniency on missed payments; this also included unsolicited sexual comments and adverse housing actions taken against individuals who rebuffed Nolen's advances, the Department of Justice articulated their lawsuit's allegations that Joel Nolen's sexual harassment included unwelcome sexual acts and unwelcome touching, demanding sexual acts to terminate eviction proceedings or forgive missed payments, unwelcome sexual comments, soliciting explicit photographs, and adverse housing actions against tenants who rejected his sexual advances.
"Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home," said Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith in a statement that emphasized the gravity of the accusations and the importance of holding landlords accountable for violating housing rights. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, the consent order, still pending court approval, stipulates that the defendants must pay substantial reparations including $960,000 to 19 tenants and prospective tenants, and a $40,000 civil penalty to the United States.
Furthermore, in an effort to prevent future discriminatory practices by the Nolens, the order requires rigorous measures: Joel and Shirlee Nolen are prohibited from directly managing rental properties and must hire an independent property manager, they are mandated to undergo training and to implement policies that deter discrimination, and are compelled to rectify previous unjust evictions and credit damage borne by their harassment victims and the consent order permanently bars Joel and Shirlee Nolen from managing residential rental properties, requires Joel and Shirlee Nolen to hire an independent property manager, mandates training and policies to prevent future discrimination, and requires Joel and Shirlee Nolen to take steps to vacate discriminatory evictions and repair credit of tenants harmed by the harassment.
Victims of sexual harassment or other forms of housing discrimination are urged to contact the Justice Department’s Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743 or to file a report online, signaling that recourse is available and that justice can be pursued. The case, championed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emilia Morris and Civil Rights Division Trial Attorneys Arielle R. L. Reid and Alan A. Martinson, showcases a firm stance against abuses of power within the housing market.
