Quid pro quo and hostile environment harassment are discriminatory housing practices, and a single incident can be enough

xp.fair_housing.quid_pro_quo_and_hostile_environment_harassment · v1.0.0

Quid pro quo and hostile environment harassment because of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin or handicap may violate sections 804, 805, 806 or 818 of the Fair Housing Act. Quid pro quo harassment is an unwelcome request or demand where submission is made a condition of the sale, rental or availability of a dwelling, of its terms, conditions or privileges, or of services or facilities -- and it is harassment even if the person acquiesces. Hostile environment harassment is unwelcome conduct sufficiently severe or pervasive as to interfere with the availability, sale, rental, use or enjoyment of a dwelling, and requires no change in economic benefits or terms. Whether a hostile environment exists depends on the totality of the circumstances -- the nature of the conduct, its context, severity, scope, frequency, duration and location, and the relationships of those involved -- judged from the perspective of a reasonable person in the aggrieved person's position. Neither psychological nor physical harm need be shown. Harassment can be written, verbal or other conduct and does not require physical contact, and a single sufficiently severe incident can constitute a discriminatory housing practice. The Title VII affirmative defence to an employer's vicarious liability for supervisor harassment does not apply under the Fair Housing Act.

Confidence

high

Effective from

2016-10-14

Last reviewed

2026-09-07