Sex-for-repairs allegations against Baltimore Housing workers under investigation

One woman allegedly slept by her oven to keep warm after a worker refused to fix her heating

The authority is under increasing pressure from residents to improve conditions (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Three maintenance men working for Baltimore’s city public housing authority are being investigated over allegations that they refused to repair properties unless female residents had sex with them.

Some 11 women have filed a lawsuit against the eastern city’s housing authority, in which they said basic and necessary repairs were not carried out because would not engage in sex acts.

The lawsuit, which includes allegations from as far back as 2008, details claims from one woman who said she forced to sleep next to the oven for warmth because a handyman ordered she give him sexual favours to fix the appliance.

Other women said their homes became squalid, as leaks, insect infestations and dangerous mould growth were the result of the neglect they allegedly faced.

Lawyers representing the women also accused the housing authority of deliberating scuppering an investigation conducted by the local branch of the municipal employees union, which concluded that the accused should be fired.

Baltimore state attorney office spokeswoman Rochelle Ritchie said in a statement: "Due to the seriousness of the allegations our office is conducting an investigation to determine whether criminal charges should be brought.”

Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings told reporters, according to the Baltimore Sun: "If the allegations are true, they're despicable and unacceptable."

The city’s Housing Authority spokeswoman Tania Baker said that the agency is conducting an internal investigation into the allegations.

The investigation comes after Ms Rawlings defending housing chief Paul T. Graziano against residents who said their homes have become uninhabitable and called on him to be sacked.

Tenants at a protest said they face mice and cockroach infestations, and mould that can trigger asthma attacks, The Baltimore Sun reported.

Meanwhile, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development has announced proposals for new plans to protect state housing tenants against harassment.

Gustavo Velasquez, a HUD assistant secretary, did not refer to the case in Baltimore, but said: "We see a steady number of cases year after year, but the cases over time have become more egregious.

"We've seen some real despicable behavior on behalf of housing providers."