California Attorney General ‍Sues Landlord Nijjar Over Housing ⁤Violations

Updated June 12,2025

California Attorney General Rob Bonta ⁤has filed a lawsuit against Southern California real estate magnate Mike⁤ Nijjar,accusing him of widespread violations of housing and tenant laws. The suit, lodged in⁢ Los ⁤Angeles County Superior Court, alleges that Nijjar, along with family members and thier companies, subjected tenants to‍ deplorable conditions, including vermin infestations and overflowing sewage. They are also accused of overcharging tenants ‍and violating anti-discrimination laws.

Nijjar’s family companies, known as PAMA Management, reportedly control a multibillion-dollar real estate portfolio of 22,000 rental units, primarily in low-income neighborhoods throughout Southern California.Bonta said the lawsuit follows a two-year investigation by the California ⁢Department of Justice.

Bonta stated that PAMA has exploited vulnerable families by neglecting necessary investments to eradicate pests, repair roofs, and fix plumbing. He added that they deceived tenants‍ about their‍ rights to sue and demand repairs. The attorney general is seeking penalties,‍ restitution for tenants, and an injunction to prevent Nijjar and PAMA from continuing⁢ unlawful business practices.

Stephen Larson, Nijjar’s attorney, refuted the allegations, stating that they are false and misleading. He said Nijjar’s companies provide an⁤ extraordinary service to disadvantaged communities and comply with the law.

Nijjar’s real estate empire has faced scrutiny before. A 2020 report ⁤detailed risky conditions at Nijjar’s properties,including a mobile home fire in Kern County that killed an infant. ⁢The⁤ residence was not permitted for occupancy. Additionally, ‍tenants at the ⁤Chesapeake Apartments in South Los Angeles⁣ have complained of sewage, mold, vermin, and shoddy repairs. The complex had the most public health violations⁣ in L.A. County over five years, according to an ‍analysis.

Previous attempts to hold Nijjar accountable have been inconsistent. After the 2016 fire, the California Department of Real Estate revoked licenses associated with Nijjar’s company, but the suit alleges Nijjar and his family reorganized their business structure‍ in response. A nuisance abatement complaint against PAMA at ⁣Chesapeake was resolved in ⁣2018, but habitability problems resurfaced. A‍ similar case ‍against a ⁢PAMA property in Hollywood remains in litigation. Nijjar’s companies have settled multiple habitability lawsuits filed by residents.

Bonta said PAMA has exploited lax accountability and the vulnerability of low-income tenants who have few housing alternatives.⁤ The lawsuit claims that the habitability problems are ongoing business practices resulting from cheap repairs, unskilled handymen, lack of staff training, and‍ failure to track tenant requests.

“Nijjar and his associates have treated lawsuit after lawsuit and code violation after code violation as the cost of doing business and have been allowed to operate and collect hundreds of millions of dollars ⁤each year from families who sleep, shower, and feed their children in unhealthy and deplorable conditions,” Bonta said.

The suit also alleges deceptive leases, discrimination against tenants on public assistance, and⁣ unlawful rent increases. PAMA’s leases allegedly attempt to invalidate tenants’ rights, including the right to sue and deduct repair costs from rent. The company allegedly told Section 8 voucher holders that no units were available while renting to non-voucher holders.

The ⁣case⁢ alleges over 2,000 violations of California’s rent cap law. PAMA allegedly shifted utility costs onto tenants to evade the cap, resulting in total increases of up to 20%, exceeding the allowable amount.

What’s next

The lawsuit will proceed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, where Nijjar and his companies are expected to respond to the allegations. The⁤ court will determine whether Nijjar and PAMA violated ⁣housing laws and what penalties, restitution, and injunctive relief are warranted.