Bill > SB803

This bill amends the Virginia Fair Housing Law to explicitly define and prohibit "quid pro quo harassment" and "hostile environment harassment" as unlawful discriminatory housing practices. Quid pro quo harassment occurs when a person is pressured to submit to unwelcome requests or demands related to housing transactions, such as renting or buying a dwelling, as a condition for favorable terms or even just for the availability of housing. Hostile environment harassment is defined as unwelcome conduct that is severe or pervasive enough to interfere with the enjoyment or use of a dwelling, or the terms and conditions of housing-related transactions. The bill clarifies that these types of harassment can be verbal, written, or through other conduct, do not require physical contact, and can be proven even with a single severe incident of quid pro quo harassment or by considering the totality of circumstances for hostile environment harassment, without requiring proof of psychological or physical harm.

Business and Industry, Housing and Urban Affairs, Justice

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB803