Philadelphia Tenants File Class Action Lawsuit Against Odin Properties Over Unsafe Housing and Illegal Rent Collection
On March 13, Hausfeld, along with co-counsel the Public Interest Law Center, filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of three residents of Bentley Manor apartment complex against Odin Properties LLC, challenging one of Philadelphia's largest landlords over dangerous living conditions and illegal rent collection practices. The legal action seeks to hold the property management company accountable for failing to address serious safety violations that have placed tenants at risk.
According to the lawsuit, Philadelphia's Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) designated Bentley Manor as "unsafe" in November 2024, citing "loose and missing bricks" and a "leaning parapet" that created immediate safety hazards. Philadelphia law prohibits landlords from collecting rent when they fail to fix serious violations within 30 days or when operating without a valid license. Despite these regulations, the lawsuit alleges Odin continued to charge and collect rent from tenants while unsafe conditions persisted.
The plaintiffs – including a Philadelphia police officer, a SEPTA transit operator, and a grandmother with disabilities – are seeking refunds of illegally collected rent and late fees, enforcement of city housing regulations, and court-ordered repairs to make the building safe for all residents. They've joined with Renters United Philadelphia, who are now represented by the Public Interest Law Center and Hausfeld, to represent not just themselves but all affected tenants in the building.
Jeannine Kenney, Hausfeld Partner in Philadelphia noted, "Hausfeld applauds these tenants for their tenacity, bravery, and sacrifice to protect not just their own rights, but also those of their neighbors and all renters in Philadelphia. We look forward to helping them win that fight.”
This case highlights ongoing concerns about housing conditions throughout Philadelphia. According to the complaint, Odin Properties manages apartment buildings across Philadelphia and has received hundreds of code violations on its properties in recent years.
More information is available at the Public Interest Law Center’s website.
