Iraj Shambayati, 73, is a former landlord who managed more than 45 residential properties in and around Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia, United States. He is the father of Daniel Shambayati, 35.
Who is Iraj Shambayati?
Since at least 2008, Iraj allegedly harassed female tenants by making repeated and unwelcome sexual comments and advances. He is accused of inappropriately touching their bodies without their permission, entering their residences without their permission or knowledge and requesting sexual acts from them in exchange for rent or other benefits related to housing.
Iraj allegedly took retaliatory actions against female tenants who rejected his sexual advances or complained about the harassment. On April 12, 2022, he filed a case against Hannah Lanier in Chatham County.
On August 8, 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a Fair Housing Act lawsuit against Iraj. According to the complaint, Daniel, Akbar Keshavarz, 1511 Rosewood LLC and IDHD Properties LLC were vicariously liable for Iraj’s discriminatory conduct.
On April 29, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that Iraj has agreed to pay $600,000 to resolve allegations that he violated the Fair Housing Act. He, 1511 Rosewood LLC and IDHD Properties LLC will pay will pay $590,000 in monetary damages to female tenants and prospective tenants harmed by his conduct and a civil penalty to the federal government.
Moreover, Iraj, 1511 Rosewood LLC and IDHD Properties LLC are prohibited from managing residential rental properties in the future. They are required to retain an independent property manager for the properties and to vacate any retaliatory eviction judgments obtained against the victims and take steps to correct the victims’ credit histories.
CONAN Daily 