Westminster Management LLC is a New Jersey-based property management company that owns and manages thousands of rental units across the United States. In recent years, Westminster has faced numerous lawsuits from tenants alleging unfair and deceptive business practices, as well as violations of state and federal laws.
One of the most prominent lawsuits against Westminster was filed by a group of tenants in Maryland in 2019. The tenants alleged that Westminster charged them illegal late fees and failed to properly maintain their rental properties. The lawsuit also alleged that Westminster engaged in “fee-churning,” a practice in which landlords charge tenants excessive fees in order to keep them in debt and prevent them from evicting them.
In 2022, Westminster settled the Maryland lawsuit for $3.25 million. The settlement required Westminster to return to tenants excessive fees and to make repairs to its rental properties.
In addition to the Maryland lawsuit, Westminster has also been sued by tenants in other states, including New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The allegations in these lawsuits are similar to those in the Maryland lawsuit, including illegal fees, poor maintenance, and fee-churning.
What does the Westminster Management lawsuit mean for tenants?
The Westminster Management lawsuit is a significant victory for tenants. The lawsuit shows that landlords can be held accountable for unfair and deceptive business practices. The lawsuit also sends a message to other landlords that they cannot engage in fee-churning and other illegal practices.
If you are a tenant who has been harmed by Westminster Management, you may have legal rights. You should contact an experienced tenant rights attorney to discuss your options.
FAQs
Q: What is fee-churning?
A: Fee-churning is a practice in which landlords charge tenants excessive fees in order to keep them in debt and prevent them from evicting them. Landlords may engage in fee-churning by charging tenants late fees, eviction fees, and other fees that are not allowed by law.
Q: What are my legal rights if I have been harmed by Westminster Management?
A: If you are a tenant who has been harmed by Westminster Management, you may have legal rights. You may be able to file a lawsuit against Westminster to recover damages for your losses. You should contact an experienced tenant rights attorney to discuss your options.
Q: What is the status of the Westminster Management lawsuit?
A: The Westminster Management lawsuit in Maryland was settled in 2022 for $3.25 million. However, there are still other lawsuits pending against Westminster in other states.
Q: How can I protect myself from fee-churning?
A: There are a few things you can do to protect yourself from fee-churning:
- Be aware of your rights as a tenant. Know what fees your landlord is allowed to charge you.
- Read your lease carefully before you sign it. Make sure you understand all of the fees that your landlord is charging you.
- Keep a record of all of your rent payments and other payments to your landlord.
- If you are charged an illegal fee, contact your landlord immediately and demand that the fee be waived.
- If your landlord refuses to waive the illegal fee, you may need to contact a tenant rights attorney or your local housing authority.
Q: What should I do if I think I have been a victim of fee-churning?
A: If you think you have been a victim of fee-churning, you should contact a tenant rights attorney to discuss your options. An attorney can help you determine whether you have a legal case against your landlord and can help you file a lawsuit if necessary.
The Westminster Management lawsuit is a significant victory for tenants, but it is important to note that it is just one case. There are still many other landlords across the United States who engage in unfair and deceptive business practices.
If you are a tenant who has been harmed by your landlord, you should contact an experienced tenant rights attorney to discuss your options. You may have legal rights to recover damages for your losses.
The Westminster Management lawsuit is a significant victory for tenants, but it is important to note that it is just one case. There are still many other landlords across the United States who engage in unfair and deceptive business practices.
If you are a tenant who has been harmed by your landlord, you should contact an experienced tenant rights attorney to discuss your options. You may have legal rights to recover damages for your losses.
References
- Maryland tenants win victory in class action lawsuit against Jared Kushner’s apartment company: https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/housing/maryland-tenants-win-victory-in-class-action-lawsuit-against-jared-kushners-apartment-company-6E63AE6Q7FF5TEPKSRPZACVRHU/
- Attorney General Frosh Announces Settlement with Westminster Management, LLC and 25 Property Owners Resolving Charges Related to: https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/press/2022/092322.pdf
- Tenae Smith et al. v. Westminster Management, LLC, et al., No. 2508, September Term 2019: https://mdcourts.gov/data/opinions/cosa/2023/2508s19.pdf
