California AG Bonta Sues Landlord Mike Nijjar, PAMA Management for Tenant Exploitation
The suit accuses PAMA-related firms of issuing leases containing unlawful clauses that waive tenant rights, including jury trials and the ability to repair or deduct costs from rent
Last week, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that a sweeping civil lawsuit was filed against Swaranjit “Mike” Nijjar, his sister Daljit “DJ” Kler, and a web of corporations operating under the names PAMA Management and related entities. The complaint, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, comes after a three-year investigation into alleged widespread violations of California's housing and consumer protection laws.
According to the suit, Nijjar's companies, which ccontrol over 22,000 rental units, systematically ignored basic maintenance, leading to leaking roofs, overflowing sewage, pervasive mold, and rodent infestations Bonta’s office says the operators treated code violations as “cost of doing business,” routinely using unlicensed handymen and failing to address tenant repair requests.
The suit accuses PAMA-related firms of issuing leases containing unlawful clauses that waive tenant rights, including jury trials and the ability to repair or deduct costs from rent. Many leases were only in English, despite being marketed to Spanish speakers. The complaint also contends that these landlords imposed rent hikes and shifted utility costs beyond the limits set by the Tenant Protection Act, sometimes doubling lawful caps.
Allegations include discrimination against Section 8 tenants, claiming false waitlists, and issuing “dozens or hundreds” of unlawful eviction notices.
The complaint cites extreme consequences, including a 2016 mobile-home fire in Kern County illegally occupied by an infant, resulting in the child’s death. Officials assert that vulnerable, low-income families have been forced to endure unhealthy and dangerous living conditions with few alternatives.
State prosecutors seek civil penalties of up to $2,500 per violation including tenant restitution, disgorgement of profits, and injunctive relief to stop ongoing abusive practices.
In a statement, Bonta emphasized, “This is a business model built on neglect and exploitation… Enough is enough.”
Nijjar’s legal counsel, attorney Stephen Larson, denies all allegations, claiming the lawsuit is “false and misleading,” and that his client “provides an extraordinary service to housing those disadvantaged…”
Tenants and witnesses are encouraged to submit any relevant information through the Attorney General’s office as the case advances.
