Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 21, May 25, 2024
Section 45.11 - Coercion, threats and intimidation(a) It is an unlawful discriminatory activity to:(1) Coerce a person, either orally, in writing, or by other means to deny or limit the benefits provided that person, in connection with the sale or rental of a housing accommodation or commercial property or in connection with a real estate-related transaction because of protected class.(2) Threaten, intimidate or interfere with persons in their enjoyment of a housing accommodation or commercial property because of the protected class of any person including, but not limited to, visitors or associates of the persons.(3) Threaten an employe or agent with dismissal or an adverse employment action, or take such adverse employment action, for any effort to assist a person seeking access to the sale or rental of a dwelling or seeking access to any residential real estate-related transaction, because of the protected class of the person seeking access.(4) Intimidate, threaten, interfere or discriminate against any person because that person is engaging in activities designed to make other persons aware of, or encouraging other persons to exercise, rights granted or protected by this part.(5) Retaliate, intimidate, threaten, interfere or discriminate against a person because that person has opposed a practice forbidden in the act, or because the individual has made a charge, testified or assisted in an investigation, proceeding or hearing under the act or any act which prohibits practices prohibited by the act.(b) In addition to following the standard complaint procedure, when an owner or a prospective owner, occupant or prospective occupant or user or prospective user of housing accommodations or commercial property, or the agent, real estate broker or representative of any of them, is intimidated, harassed or threatened by individuals or groups because of the protected class of the owner or prospective owner or occupant or user or prospective occupant or user, from taking peaceful possession of or occupying or using the housing accommodations or commercial property which he has purchased, rented or intended to occupy or use or is prevented from enjoying peaceful possession or use, the Commission may assume jurisdiction, enlist the aid of law enforcement authorities and engage in an educational program within the immediate area in an effort to eliminate prejudice and to further good will.The provisions of this § 45.11 adopted August 22, 1961; amended December 17, 1993, effective 12/18/1993, 23 Pa.B. 5901.