California Housing Lawsuit: Bonta Accuses Landlord Mike Nijjar And PAMA Management Of Exploiting Tenants

James

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Post on Jun 14, 2025

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California Housing Lawsuit: Bonta Accuses Landlord Mike Nijjar and PAMA Management of Tenant Exploitation

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed a lawsuit against landlord Mike Nijjar and his property management company, PAMA Management, alleging widespread tenant exploitation across multiple properties in the state. This significant legal action shines a light on the ongoing struggle for affordable housing in California and highlights the potential consequences for landlords engaging in predatory practices.

The lawsuit, filed in Sacramento County Superior Court, accuses Nijjar and PAMA Management of violating California’s unfair competition law and the Tenant Protection Act of 2019. These violations allegedly include illegal rent increases, retaliatory evictions, and failure to maintain habitable living conditions. The Attorney General's office paints a disturbing picture of systematic abuse targeting vulnerable tenants.

Key Allegations in the Lawsuit:

• Illegal Rent Increases: The lawsuit alleges that Nijjar and PAMA Management significantly increased rents beyond the legally permitted limits, forcing many tenants to face unaffordable housing costs. This practice directly contravenes the protections afforded by California's rent control laws.
• Retaliatory Evictions: The complaint claims tenants who complained about substandard living conditions or attempted to exercise their tenant rights faced retaliatory evictions, a clear violation of California law. This coercive tactic aims to silence tenants and prevent them from seeking redress for their grievances.
• Habitability Violations: The lawsuit details numerous instances where tenants were forced to live in properties with significant maintenance issues, including pest infestations, faulty plumbing, and dangerous electrical problems. These conditions violate California's implied warranty of habitability, which mandates landlords provide safe and sanitary living spaces.

The Impact on Tenants:

The alleged actions of Nijjar and PAMA Management have had a devastating impact on countless tenants. Many have faced financial hardship, displacement, and the stress associated with living in unsafe and unhealthy conditions. This lawsuit aims to provide some measure of justice and compensation for these individuals.

The Role of the Attorney General:

Attorney General Bonta emphasized the importance of protecting tenants from predatory landlords. He stated that the lawsuit is part of a larger effort to combat the housing crisis in California and ensure that all residents have access to safe and affordable housing. This action sends a strong message that such exploitative practices will not be tolerated.

What Happens Next?

The lawsuit is currently pending in Sacramento County Superior Court. The outcome will have significant implications for both Nijjar and PAMA Management, as well as setting a precedent for future cases involving landlord-tenant disputes in California. The Attorney General's office is seeking monetary damages for affected tenants, along with injunctive relief to prevent future violations.

Finding Affordable Housing in California:

The challenges of finding affordable housing in California are well-documented. For tenants struggling with housing insecurity, resources are available. Organizations such as the and offer assistance and guidance.

Conclusion:

This lawsuit against Mike Nijjar and PAMA Management underscores the urgent need for stronger tenant protections in California. The Attorney General's action serves as a crucial step in holding landlords accountable for exploitative practices and ensuring a more equitable and just housing system for all Californians. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly be closely watched by tenants, landlords, and housing advocates throughout the state.