Lawsuit Filed: Attorney General Bonta Targets Landlord Mike Nijjar And PAMA For Housing Law Breaches

James

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Post on Jun 14, 2025

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Lawsuit Filed: Attorney General Bonta Targets Landlord Mike Nijjar and PAMA for Housing Law Breaches

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed a lawsuit against landlord Mike Nijjar and his property management company, PAMA (presumably Property Asset Management, though the full name isn't specified in initial reports), alleging widespread violations of California's housing laws. This significant legal action highlights a growing concern regarding tenant rights and the responsibilities of landlords in the state. The lawsuit, filed in [Court Name and Location], seeks substantial penalties and injunctive relief to protect tenants from further alleged abuses.

What are the Allegations?

The lawsuit alleges a pattern of serious housing code violations by Nijjar and PAMA, impacting numerous tenants across multiple properties. Specific allegations include, but are not limited to:

• Failure to Maintain Safe and Livable Conditions: The lawsuit claims that Nijjar and PAMA have neglected necessary repairs, leading to infestations, malfunctioning utilities (such as heating and plumbing), and other hazardous conditions within their rental units. This directly violates California's implied warranty of habitability.
• Retaliatory Evictions: The Attorney General's office alleges that tenants who reported code violations or attempted to exercise their tenant rights faced retaliatory eviction attempts. This is a serious violation of California law and undermines the protections afforded to renters.
• Unlawful Rent Increases: The complaint may also include allegations of unlawful rent increases, exceeding legal limits set by local rent control ordinances or state regulations. (Further details regarding this specific allegation are pending official court documents.)
• Illegal Fees and Charges: The lawsuit may further allege the imposition of illegal fees and charges on tenants, violating state regulations and tenant protection laws.

Who is Affected?

While the exact number of affected tenants remains unclear pending full disclosure of court documents, the lawsuit suggests a significant number of individuals across multiple properties managed by Nijjar and PAMA have experienced these alleged violations. The Attorney General’s office is encouraging any tenants who believe they have been affected by Nijjar and PAMA's actions to come forward and contact their office. [Insert Contact Information Here, if available].

What is the Attorney General Seeking?

The lawsuit seeks various forms of relief, including:

• Civil Penalties: Substantial financial penalties to deter future violations and compensate affected tenants.
• Injunctive Relief: A court order requiring Nijjar and PAMA to make necessary repairs, cease unlawful practices, and comply with all applicable housing laws.
• Restitution for Tenants: Financial compensation for tenants who have suffered damages due to the alleged violations.

Implications for California Landlords:

This lawsuit serves as a stark reminder to all California landlords of their responsibilities under state law. Maintaining safe and habitable housing conditions is paramount, and retaliating against tenants who report violations is strictly prohibited. Landlords are advised to familiarize themselves with California's tenant rights laws and ensure full compliance. Failure to do so can result in significant legal consequences, including hefty fines and reputational damage.

Moving Forward:

The case against Nijjar and PAMA is still in its early stages. Further details will emerge as the legal process unfolds. This case underscores the ongoing efforts by the California Attorney General’s office to protect tenants’ rights and ensure safe, affordable housing for all residents. We will continue to update this article as more information becomes available. Check back for updates or follow us on [Social Media Links].

Keywords: California, Attorney General Bonta, Landlord Lawsuit, Mike Nijjar, PAMA, Property Management, Housing Code Violations, Tenant Rights, Retaliatory Eviction, Rent Control, California Housing Law, Implied Warranty of Habitability, Legal Action, Tenant Protection.