DOJ Sues Michigan Landlord for Sexual Harassment Allegations

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against William Aaron Asper, a landlord in Westland, Michigan, alleging that he sexually harassed female tenants in violation of the Fair Housing Act. The complaint, filed on December 2, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, accuses Asper of engaging in a pattern of sexual misconduct since 2018.

According to the DOJ, Asper's alleged behaviors include offering housing-related benefits in exchange for sexual contact, making unwelcome sexual comments and advances, subjecting female tenants to unwanted touching and groping, and retaliating against tenants who refused his advances. The lawsuit also names the William Aaron Asper Living Trust and REPSA Enterprises LLC as defendants, entities that owned the rental properties during Asper's management.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the DOJ's Civil Rights Division emphasized the department's commitment to enforcing the Fair Housing Act, stating, "Women should not live in fear when they pay their rent or seek repairs. The Justice Department will continue to vigorously enforce the Fair Housing Act's prohibition on this conduct."

U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. for the Eastern District of Michigan condemned the alleged actions, saying, "A man who preys on vulnerable women in need of a home deserves the greatest condemnation. We will do our best to protect women against gross exploitation."

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on sex, which includes sexual harassment. The DOJ's Civil Rights Division has been actively pursuing cases of sexual harassment in housing, filing multiple lawsuits and securing settlements to protect tenants' rights.

This case is part of a broader pattern of legal actions against landlords in Michigan for similar violations. In April 2024, landlord Mohamad Hussein agreed to pay $185,000 to settle allegations of sexual harassment against female tenants in Dearborn Heights, Michigan. The settlement included damages to victims and a civil penalty to the government.

In March 2023, Darrell Jones agreed to a settlement requiring him to pay $155,000 to compensate individuals harmed by his harassment and a $10,000 civil penalty. The settlement also mandated the retention of an independent property manager and implementation of non-discrimination policies.

These cases highlight ongoing issues of sexual harassment in housing, emphasizing the vulnerability of tenants, particularly women, to exploitation by landlords. The DOJ's active pursuit of such cases underscores a commitment to enforcing the Fair Housing Act and protecting tenants' rights. These legal actions serve as a deterrent to landlords and property managers, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all tenants.

The DOJ encourages individuals who believe they have been victims of sexual harassment in housing to report such conduct. The department's Civil Rights Division enforces the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, and familial status.

By addressing these violations, the DOJ aims to ensure that all individuals have access to safe and fair housing, free from discrimination and harassment.