The owners of 80 rental units in and around Susanville have reached a $1 million settlement to resolve a civil lawsuit alleging sexual harassment by owner Joel Lynn Nolen. The lawsuit, initiated by the Department of Justice in February 2023, accused Nolen of violating the Fair Housing Act through a pattern of sexual harassment against female tenants and prospective tenants over more than ten years.
Allegations included unwelcome sexual acts and touching, coercive demands for sexual acts to stop eviction proceedings or forgive missed payments, unsolicited sexual comments, requests for explicit photographs, and adverse housing actions against tenants who rebuffed Nolen’s advances.
Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith stated, “Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home,” emphasizing the commitment to hold accountable landlords who engage in or enable such behavior.
Under the proposed consent order, pending court approval, the defendants are required to pay $960,000 to 19 affected individuals and a $40,000 civil penalty to the U.S. government. The order also permanently bars Joel and Shirlee Nolen from managing any residential rental properties, mandates hiring an independent property manager, and requires implementing training and policies to prevent future discrimination. Additionally, they must reverse discriminatory evictions and restore the credit of tenants who suffered due to harassment.
The DOJ noted that the settlement addresses allegations only, with no determination of liability made. Previously, a separate $100,000 settlement was reached with several co-owners of rental property associated with Nolen.
Victims of housing discrimination or sexual harassment are encouraged to contact the Justice Department’s Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743 or submit a report online.
