California, Washington Sue Landlords Over Unsafe Housing

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed a major lawsuit against Mike Nijjar, his family, and their PAMA Management companies, alleging they run a multi-billion dollar real estate business that rents unsafe and uninhabitable units to low-income tenants in Southern California. The lawsuit, following a multi-year Department of Justice investigation, details issues such as vermin infestations, collapsing ceilings, sewage overflows, and discrimination against Section 8 recipients. Tenants allegedly faced inhumane conditions, deceptive leasing practices, and unlawful rent increases, with code violations treated as routine expenses. In Washington, Attorney General Nick Brown has sued FPI Management and the owners of senior housing complexes for neglecting repairs and exposing elderly tenants to mold, pests, and misleading lease agreements. Both states are seeking restitution for tenants and penalties against the landlords, aiming to force improvements and halt unlawful practices. Representatives for the accused landlords have denied the allegations.