Attorney General Bonta Files Suit Over Alleged Housing Code Violations By Nijjar, PAMA

James

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Post on Jun 14, 2025

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Attorney General Bonta Files Suit Against Nijjar and PAMA for Alleged Housing Code Violations

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed a lawsuit against prominent landlord Balwinder Nijjar and his property management company, PAMA, alleging widespread and egregious violations of California's housing codes. This significant legal action follows years of complaints from tenants regarding substandard living conditions in properties owned and managed by Nijjar and PAMA across the state. The lawsuit aims to hold them accountable for allegedly neglecting crucial repairs, creating unsafe and uninhabitable living conditions for numerous residents.

A Long History of Complaints:

The lawsuit details a pattern of alleged negligence, citing numerous instances of neglected repairs, infestations (including rodent and pest infestations), and hazardous conditions within rental properties. Tenants have reportedly complained for years about issues ranging from malfunctioning plumbing and heating systems to severe structural damage and mold growth. These complaints, often documented through photos and videos, form the core evidence supporting the Attorney General's claims.

Specific Allegations in the Lawsuit:

The lawsuit alleges that Nijjar and PAMA systematically ignored tenant requests for repairs, violating California's tenant protection laws. Specific allegations include:

• Failure to address critical safety hazards: This includes ignoring reports of faulty electrical wiring, gas leaks, and structural instability.
• Neglecting essential repairs: The lawsuit points to repeated instances of unrepaired plumbing issues leading to water damage and mold growth, as well as broken appliances and inadequate heating and cooling systems.
• Retaliatory actions against tenants: Some tenants have allegedly faced retaliatory evictions or increased rent after reporting code violations.

The Impact on Tenants:

The alleged violations have had a devastating impact on tenants, many of whom are low-income families. Living in substandard housing can significantly affect residents' health, safety, and well-being, leading to increased stress, respiratory problems, and other health complications. The lawsuit seeks to rectify these conditions and provide relief for affected tenants.

The Attorney General's Action:

Attorney General Bonta's office is seeking a court order to compel Nijjar and PAMA to make necessary repairs to all affected properties and implement a comprehensive plan to prevent future violations. The lawsuit also demands significant fines and penalties to deter future negligence and hold the defendants accountable for their alleged actions. This aggressive approach underscores the state's commitment to protecting tenants' rights and ensuring safe and habitable housing for all Californians.

What this means for California renters:

This lawsuit serves as a powerful reminder of the rights California renters possess. Tenants are urged to report any housing code violations to their local housing authorities and familiarize themselves with their rights under California law. Resources like the website offer valuable information and support for renters facing similar issues.

Looking Ahead:

The lawsuit against Nijjar and PAMA is expected to be a lengthy legal battle. The outcome will have significant implications for landlords and tenants throughout California, setting a precedent for how housing code violations are addressed and enforced. We will continue to monitor the progress of this case and provide updates as they become available. This is a developing story, and further details may emerge as the legal proceedings unfold.

Keywords: Attorney General Bonta, Nijjar, PAMA, housing code violations, California housing laws, tenant rights, landlord negligence, substandard housing, tenant protection, California lawsuit, rental property, unsafe living conditions, property management, housing code enforcement.