1) Sexual discrimination or harassment is forbidden in *any* housing, not just Section 8. If you and other women are being victimized in this way, you could report it to the housing authoritities (this is where being section 8 helps; you should have a case worker or other contact at the housing authority) and/or consider bringing  a laws suit. Another option is to contact the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission).2) A landlord must make repairs that affect habitability--.e.g if there's a boiler problem, and as a result, there's no enough heat or hot water, or there are dangerous fumes, that must be fixed. (Minor or cosmetic problems, like stained carpet or a graffeti, do not need to be fixed.) If the landlord isn't doing this, you could sue for either monetary damages and/or to force the repairs, or again, get in touch with your contacts at the housing authority.