A 72-year-old Landlord in Ohio working for YLP LLC is being sanctioned by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday for alleged sexual harassment of several female tenants at his rental properties spanning decades.
According to Attorney General Kristen Clarke, no one should feel afraid of sexual harassment while signing a lease, paying rent, or simply being in their home. Landlords who are found to be sexually harassing tenants violate the Fair Housing Act and should, therefore, be held accountable, warns the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division Assistant.
The Fair Housing Act is a federal law enacted in 1968 that forbids discrimination in housing transactions, including buying, renting, selling, financing, and seeking housing assistance. It also explicitly prohibits discrimination based on race, skin color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and familial status.
Harassments of an Ohio Landlord to Female Tenants
Joseph Pedaline allegedly made unwelcome sexual comments to multiple female tenants, entered their homes without permission, and touched them without consent. He was also accused of forgiving late or unpaid rent in exchange for sexual favors and took punitive housing-related measures against female tenants who rejected his advances.
According to the complaint, YLP LLC was responsible for Pedaline's discriminatory actions while managing the rental properties it owned between 2009 and 2020.
The Settlement's Terms
Pedaline and YLP LLC, the owners and managers of residential rental properties in Youngstown, Ohio, agreed to pay $199,000 to settle the lawsuit filed by the DOJ, which accused them of violating the Fair Housing Act.
Under the settlement, Pedaline and YLP LLC are required to pay a $189,000 settlement to former tenants affected by his behavior, along with a $10,000 civil penalty to the federal government, and take measures to assist in repairing the credit of tenants who were evicted after refusing Pedaline's advances.
Pedaline is permanently prohibited from managing residential rental properties, while YLP LLC must conduct Fair Housing Act training and regularly report compliance with the consent decree's terms.
A Strong Reminder of The Fair Housing Act
US Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio asserted in a statement that the consent decree permanently prevents Pedaline from renting property to others, thereby ensuring Ohio tenants are protected from sexual harassment and discrimination in exchange for housing.
Lutzko also emphasized that this settlement should remind all landlords of their obligation to adhere to every facet of the Fair Housing Act and refrain from discriminatory behavior that compromises their tenants' security, safety, and well-being.
The Department of Justice encourages individuals who may have experienced sexual harassment at rental properties owned or managed by Joseph Pedaline or YLP LLC to contact the agency through Youngstown.Community@usdoj.govor call 1-833-591-0291 for further assistance.
United States Assistant Attorneys Michelle Heyer and Kathryn Andrachik conducted the investigation on behalf of the US Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio.
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