Justice Department Sues Michigan Landlord for Alleged Sexual Harassment

The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated legal action against William Aaron Asper, a landlord and property manager in Westland, Michigan, alleging violations of the Fair Housing Act through sexual harassment and retaliation against female tenants. The lawsuit, filed on December 2, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, also names the William Aaron Asper Living Trust and REPSA Enterprises LLC as defendants.

According to the complaint, Asper has engaged in a pattern of unwelcome sexual conduct since 2018. The allegations include offering housing-related benefits in exchange for sexual contact, making inappropriate sexual comments and advances, subjecting female tenants to unwelcome touching and groping, and retaliating against those who refused his advances by taking adverse housing-related actions.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division emphasized the gravity of the situation, 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 echoed this sentiment, remarking, "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 on the basis of sex, which encompasses sexual harassment. The Justice Department's lawsuit seeks monetary damages for the affected individuals, civil penalties, and a court order to prevent future discrimination.

This case is part of a broader pattern of legal actions against landlords in Michigan for similar violations. In April 2024, the Justice Department secured an agreement with Mohamad Hussein, a landlord in Dearborn Heights, who agreed to pay $185,000 in damages and a civil penalty to resolve allegations of sexual harassment against female tenants. Similarly, in March 2023, Darrell Jones, a landlord in Muskegon, settled a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment of female tenants by agreeing to pay $155,000 to the victims and a $10,000 civil penalty.

These cases underscore the ongoing issue of sexual harassment in housing, highlighting the vulnerability of tenants, particularly women, to exploitation by landlords. They also emphasize the importance of robust enforcement of the Fair Housing Act to protect tenants' rights and promote safe living environments.

The lawsuit against William Aaron Asper serves as a critical reminder of the need for vigilance and enforcement in protecting tenants from sexual harassment. It reflects a broader effort by the Justice Department to address and rectify such violations, ensuring safe and equitable housing for all individuals.