Housing Lawsuit: Attorney General Bonta Targets Landlord Mike Nijjar And PAMA

James

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Post on Jun 13, 2025

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Housing Lawsuit: Attorney General Bonta Targets Landlord Mike Nijjar and PAMA for Alleged Tenant Harassment

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed a lawsuit against landlord Mike Nijjar and his property management company, PAMA (presumably Property and Asset Management), alleging widespread tenant harassment and illegal business practices. The lawsuit, filed in [Court Name and Location], aims to hold Nijjar and PAMA accountable for allegedly violating California's tenant protection laws. This significant legal action highlights growing concerns about the treatment of renters in California and the ongoing struggle for fair housing practices.

Allegations of Illegal Activity:

The lawsuit details a pattern of alleged abuses targeting tenants across multiple properties managed by Nijjar and PAMA. Key allegations include:

• Illegal Lockouts: Tenants reportedly faced unlawful lockouts without proper legal notice, leaving them with nowhere to go and potentially violating their right to quiet enjoyment of their premises. This tactic, often used to pressure tenants into leaving, is explicitly illegal under California law.
• Retaliatory Evictions: The lawsuit alleges that Nijjar and PAMA retaliated against tenants who exercised their rights, such as reporting maintenance issues or attempting to organize tenants' rights. This is a clear violation of state law protecting tenants from reprisal.
• Harassment and Intimidation: Tenants reportedly experienced persistent harassment and intimidation tactics, including threatening phone calls, unwarranted inspections, and attempts to force them out of their homes. This creates a hostile living environment and violates California's anti-harassment laws.
• Failure to Maintain Properties: The lawsuit also alleges a pattern of neglecting necessary repairs and maintenance, creating unsafe and unsanitary living conditions for tenants. This directly violates California's habitability laws.

Impact on California Renters:

This lawsuit sends a strong message to landlords across California who engage in illegal and unethical practices. The Attorney General's office is clearly committed to protecting renters' rights and ensuring fair housing for all Californians. The case underscores the importance of tenant protections and the need for stronger enforcement of existing laws. Many tenants in California face significant challenges finding and keeping affordable housing, and predatory practices by landlords only exacerbate the problem. This case could potentially set a precedent for future legal action against landlords who engage in similar behavior.

What Happens Next?

The lawsuit seeks various remedies, including:

• Monetary damages for affected tenants.
• Injunctive relief to prevent future harassment and illegal actions.
• Civil penalties against Nijjar and PAMA for violating state law.

The outcome of this case will be closely watched by tenant rights advocates and landlords alike. It highlights the ongoing struggle to balance the needs of both property owners and renters in California's increasingly competitive housing market.

Resources for Tenants:

If you are a California tenant experiencing similar issues, resources are available to help. You can contact:

• Your local tenant rights organization: Search online for "[your city/county] tenant rights" to find relevant organizations in your area.
• The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD): [Link to HCD website]
• Legal aid organizations: Many legal aid organizations offer free or low-cost assistance to tenants facing legal disputes with landlords.

This lawsuit represents a significant step in addressing the issue of tenant harassment in California. It underscores the importance of robust tenant protection laws and the need for continued vigilance in ensuring fair housing for all. The Attorney General's actions demonstrate a commitment to holding landlords accountable for their actions and protecting vulnerable renters. Stay tuned for updates on this developing legal battle.