The Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women recently observed an increase in reporting of landlords preying on tenants’ financial stress during pandemic to request sexual favors and arrangements.
Wednesday, April 8th 2020, 11:08 AM HST by KITV Web Staff
The Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women recently observed an increase in reporting of landlords preying on tenants’ financial stress during pandemic to request sexual favors and arrangements.
Due to recent layoffs and furloughs, only 69% of American renters were able to make rent on April 1.
Immigration attorney Kevin Block says instead of asking for rent, some landlords are asking for ‘other arrangements’ and even sending graphic sexual images when female tenants ask about rent.
"I am concerned because reported incidents indicate a greater number of unreported incidents," Block said.
Khara Jabola-Carolus, Executive Director of the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women says sexual harassment by landlords makes it hard for women to shelter-in-place.
"There was no plan upfront to prepare for the physical and sexual violence from the combination of shelter-in-place, lost income and systemic sexism. So we need to get the information on rights and resources out as fast and wide as we can. There is help,” Jabola-Carolus said.
An online guide was created by the Hawaii State Commission for women in Hawaii if they are victimized by a landlord. The Commission will offer guidance on the emergency rent assistance at 808–586–5757, and will also be keeping a database of bad landlords.
Anyone victimized by a landlord should file a complaint. Normally, tenants would have 180 days to report the incident to the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission (HCRC), which takes jurisdiction unless it’s a federally funded entity.
Since HCRC is closed due to the pandemic -- if you need help filing the complaint, you should call the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii. The Legal Aid general intake line is 808–536–4302. It is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and then 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Jabola-Carolus added, “Retaliation by a landlord for filing a complaint against him is illegal. If your landlord changes the locks or shuts off your utilities for complaining about his sexual predation, you can file a landlord-tenant TRO against your landlord and the court will take these cases during the crisis. Please contact Legal Aid Society of Hawaii for help with retaliation. There are no income limits for their help when it comes to fair housing matters.”
