The Justice Department has announced the filing of a lawsuit against Timothy Britton, the owner and operator of rental properties in Falls Creek, Pennsylvania, and Britton Enterprises LLC, doing business as “Tim’s Apartments.” The lawsuit alleges sexual harassment and retaliation in violation of the Fair Housing Act.
The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, claims that Timothy Britton has engaged in sexual harassment of female tenants since at least 2016. According to the lawsuit, Britton repeatedly made unwelcome sexual comments, touched female tenants without their consent, solicited sexual favors in exchange for reduced or free rent, and took retaliatory actions against tenants who rejected his advances.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division stated, “In this day and age, no one should have to endure sexual harassment to keep a roof over their head.” The Justice Department aims to hold landlords and housing providers accountable for unlawful harassment and retaliation, encouraging survivors to speak out and protect their fair housing rights.
Acting U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti for the Western District of Pennsylvania emphasized the violation of federal fair housing laws through sexual harassment and retaliation, stressing the importance of safeguarding vulnerable community members from such unlawful behavior.
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Demetria L. McCain of the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity stated, “It is unacceptable and illegal to subject tenants to sexual harassment and retaliation; it must stop. Tenants deserve a safe place to call home.” HUD will continue working with the Justice Department to hold housing providers accountable and seek justice for those whose civil rights have been violated.
The lawsuit seeks monetary damages for those harmed by the alleged harassment, civil penalties to uphold the public interest, and a court order to prevent future discrimination.
Individuals who believe they may have been victims of sexual harassment or housing discrimination at properties owned or managed by Timothy Britton or Britton Enterprises are encouraged to contact the housing discrimination tip line or the Justice Department with relevant information. The Department of Justice’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative, launched in 2017, aims to address and raise awareness about sexual harassment in housing, resulting in the filing of numerous lawsuits and significant financial recoveries for victims.
