Dearborn Heights Landlord Settles Sexual Harassment Claims For $185K

DEARBORN HEIGHTS, MI — A Dearborn Heights landlord will pay $185,000 in damages after he sexually harassed several women who lived at the residences, according to the justice department.

Mohamad Hussein, who owned 15 properties in and around Dearborn Heights, was accused in a March 2023 lawsuit of making unwelcome comments and advances, as well as offering women tenants housing-related benefits in exchange for engaging in sex acts with him, according to federal officials.

Under the agreement, Hussein will pay the damages to eight women and must vacate evictions he ordered that were retaliatory, according to federal officials.

Hussein will also be required to retain an independent property manager to operate any rental properties he owns, according to federal officials.

Lastly, the agreement will require Hussein to implement non-discrimination policies and complaint procedures to prevent sexual harassment at his properties in the future and to take fair housing training, according to federal officials.

"Housing is one of our most basic needs, and no one should have to endure sexual harassment in order to keep a roof over their head," said U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison for the Eastern District of Michigan.