Eighteen-month-old Braelynn’s visit to her grandmother, Tamela Richardson, at the Chesapeake Apartments in South Los Angeles has brought attention to serious housing violations. Richardson, a tenant since 2015, has endured unhygienic conditions, including mold in the kitchen and a leaking ceiling. In light of these alarming issues, California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit against real estate mogul Mike Nijjar on Thursday, accusing him and his companies of numerous violations of housing and tenant laws.
The lawsuit alleges that Nijjar, who is one of the largest landlords in California and operates PAMA Management with significant holdings across Southern California, has subjected tenants to severe living conditions. According to Bonta, tenants have faced vermin infestations, sewage problems, and unlawful rent increases. The Attorney General emphasized that the conditions are so dire that they have led to tragic consequences for residents.
Bonta’s legal action follows a comprehensive two-year investigation by the California Department of Justice, which found that PAMA Management has refused necessary repairs and exploited vulnerable families living in the properties. Bonta is pursuing various remedies, including penalties against Nijjar, restitution for tenants, and an injunction to prevent further unlawful practices.
Nijjar’s representative has vehemently denied the allegations, claiming they are false and misleading. They assert that Nijjar’s companies comply with the law and provide crucial housing services to underserved populations.
This is not the first time Nijjar’s properties have raised concerns. Previous reports outlined unsafe living conditions, including the tragic 2020 fire at a mobile home owned by PAMA, which resulted in the death of an infant and highlighted serious licensing issues. Furthermore, a 2022 article from The Times documented extensive habitability complaints from residents at the Chesapeake Apartments, noting that the complex had the highest number of public health violations among residential properties in Los Angeles County over a five-year period.
Past efforts to hold Nijjar accountable have been largely ineffective, with previous legal actions failing to create lasting changes. The lawsuit indicates that PAMA has exploited gaps in accountability and taken advantage of tenants’ limited options amidst their vulnerability. Many tenants, particularly those on fixed incomes, find themselves enduring poor living conditions with no feasible alternatives.
The lawsuit also claims that PAMA Management is engaged in deceptive leasing practices, such as trying to invalidate tenants’ legal rights and discriminating against those relying on public assistance programs. Additionally, the firm has allegedly violated California’s rent cap law on thousands of occasions, skirting around regulations meant to protect tenants from excessive rent hikes.
The case represents a significant challenge for Nijjar and his business practices as it seeks to address systemic problems affecting low-income families in Southern California. Through this legal action, there is hope that appropriate measures will be enforced to ensure tenants receive the safe, habitable living conditions they are entitled to.