Landlord Settles $600,000 Sexual Harassment Lawsuit in Savannah, Georgia
Iraj Shambayati, a prominent landlord with a portfolio of over 45 residential properties in Savannah, Georgia, has reached a settlement of $600,000 to resolve allegations of violating the Fair Housing Act (FHA). The settlement comes after accusations of sexual harassment and retaliation against female tenants spanning more than 15 years.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “No female tenant should have to endure sexual harassment and abuse in the sanctity of her own home. This settlement should send a clear message to housing providers and property owners.”
U.S. Attorney Jill E. Steinberg for the Southern District of Georgia echoed this sentiment, saying, “Sexual harassment by a landlord is never acceptable. This consent order takes Iraj Shambayati out of the property management business and emphasizes the Justice Department’s commitment to hold accountable landlords who would use their power to exploit tenants.”
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The consent order, approved by the United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, requires Shambayati and two other defendants to pay $590,000 in damages to affected female tenants. Additionally, they must pay a civil penalty to the federal government, vacate any retaliatory eviction judgments against tenants, correct credit histories, and refrain from managing residential rental properties in the future.
The lawsuit, filed in August 2023, detailed allegations dating back to 2008, including repeated sexual comments and advances, unwelcome physical contact, unauthorized entries into tenants’ homes, and coercive requests for sexual acts in exchange for housing benefits. The defendants were accused of retaliating against tenants who rejected advances or reported harassment.
Victims of sexual harassment at properties owned or managed by Iraj Shambayati are encouraged to contact the Justice Department for assistance. The department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative aims to address and deter such misconduct, with a focus on protecting tenants’ rights and holding accountable those who abuse their power in housing.
The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on various factors, including sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, and familial status. Individuals can report housing discrimination or sexual harassment by contacting the Justice Department’s Housing Discrimination Tip Line or submitting a report online. Additional resources and information about fair housing laws are available through the Civil Rights Division and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
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