Iowa Landlord Agrees to $325K Settlement Over Sexual Harassment Allegations

The Justice Department has announced a significant settlement involving the owner and property manager of residential rental properties in Davenport, Iowa. They have agreed to pay a total of $325,000 to resolve a lawsuit that alleges the property manager engaged in sexual harassment against female tenants, violating the Fair Housing Act.

The lawsuit, filed in January 2025 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, claims that for over two decades, property manager Kurt Williams subjected female tenants to sexual harassment across various rental properties in Davenport.

Specific allegations against Williams include making unwelcome sexual comments and advances, exposing his genitals, and soliciting sex or sexual acts from female tenants in exchange for tangible housing benefits, such as reduced rent. Furthermore, the lawsuit states that Williams took adverse actions against tenants who rejected his advances, including initiating evictions or refusing necessary repairs.

In addition to Williams, the lawsuit also names Gearhead Properties LC, the owner of the rental properties where the harassment took place. The lawsuit asserts that Gearhead Properties is vicariously liable for the actions of their agent, Kurt Williams. The investigation that led to these serious allegations was supported by the HUD Office of Inspector General (OIG).

As part of the settlement agreement, the defendants are required to pay $315,000 to tenants who suffered due to Williams’ harassment, along with a $10,000 civil penalty to the United States. The agreement also includes provisions that permanently bar Williams from contacting the affected tenants and prohibits him from managing any residential rental properties in the future.

Source: The Justice Department

Topics
Lawsuits

The Justice Department has announced a significant settlement involving the owner and property manager of residential rental properties in Davenport, Iowa. They have agreed to pay a total of $325,000 to resolve a lawsuit that alleges the property manager engaged in sexual harassment against female tenants, violating the Fair Housing Act.

The lawsuit, filed in January 2025 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, claims that for over two decades, property manager Kurt Williams subjected female tenants to sexual harassment across various rental properties in Davenport.

Specific allegations against Williams include making unwelcome sexual comments and advances, exposing his genitals, and soliciting sex or sexual acts from female tenants in exchange for tangible housing benefits, such as reduced rent. Furthermore, the lawsuit states that Williams took adverse actions against tenants who rejected his advances, including initiating evictions or refusing necessary repairs.

In addition to Williams, the lawsuit also names Gearhead Properties LC, the owner of the rental properties where the harassment took place. The lawsuit asserts that Gearhead Properties is vicariously liable for the actions of their agent, Kurt Williams. The investigation that led to these serious allegations was supported by the HUD Office of Inspector General (OIG).

As part of the settlement agreement, the defendants are required to pay $315,000 to tenants who suffered due to Williams’ harassment, along with a $10,000 civil penalty to the United States. The agreement also includes provisions that permanently bar Williams from contacting the affected tenants and prohibits him from managing any residential rental properties in the future.

Source: The Justice Department

Topics
Lawsuits