mobbing and bullying and tenants rights

Bullying is typically perpetrated by one person although others in a workplace may join in, for example by operating legitimate procedures in an inappropriate manner, at the behest of the bully, having an adverse effect on the target. "Bullying" is still an appropriate term to describe what is done to the target.

"Mobbing" involves a group of people whose size is constrained by the social setting in which it is formed, such as a workplace. It might seem to the target as if many people are involved but in reality the group might be small. The group members directly interact with a target in an adversarial way that undermines or harms them in measurable, definable ways.

HUD proposes rule against harassment

On October 21, 2015, HUD has proposed a rule that would formalise and define harassment under the Fair Housing Act. While the rule only clarifies existing law and regulations, the impact may be significant and help to prevent harassment in private as well as subsidized residences.

"A home should be a refuge where every woman and man deserves to live without the threat of violence or harassment. The rule HUD is proposing is designed to better protect victims of harassment by offering greater clarity for how to handle a claim against an abuser," said HUD Secretary Julián Castro. (4)

The rule addresses two kinds of harassment: quid pro quo or "this-for-that," where the housing provider demands sexual favors or other unwanted actions in exchange for providing housing and rights of a tenant; and hostile environment, where the victim is unable to enjoy their home and may be forced to leave because of intolerable harassment. Such an environment is comparable to mobbing. (2)

Finally, in a very important clarification of the responsibilities of the provider of housing, the rule would eliminate the possibility that any provider or their agents could escape legal liability for harassment based on discrimination. (5)