Ruben Southwood Realty is a property management company that owns and operates apartment complexes in the United States. The company has been involved in a number of lawsuits in recent years, alleging a variety of violations of law, including:
- Unlawfully assessed eviction fees: In 2020, Southwood Realty settled a class action lawsuit for over $7 million, alleging that the company had unlawfully charged tenants eviction fees. The settlement included $3.75 million in cash and $3.279 million in debt waivers.
- Lead paint poisoning: In 2005, a Louisiana court awarded a $1.1 million judgment to a child who suffered lead paint poisoning while living in a Southwood Realty apartment complex. The court found that Southwood Realty had failed to properly maintain the property and protect tenants from lead paint exposure.
- Premises liability: In 2021, a Georgia court upheld a summary judgment ruling in favor of Southwood Realty in a premises liability lawsuit filed by a man who was shot in the parking lot of a Southwood Realty apartment complex. The court found that Southwood Realty had not breached any duty of care to the plaintiff and that the shooting was not foreseeable.
Conclusion
Southwood Realty has a history of being involved in lawsuits alleging a variety of violations of law. While the company has prevailed in some of these cases, it has also been ordered to pay significant damages in others. Tenants who are considering renting from Southwood Realty should be aware of the company’s legal history and should carefully review their lease agreement before signing.
FAQs
Q: What is Southwood Realty?
A: Southwood Realty is a property management company that owns and operates apartment complexes in the United States.
Q: What are some of the lawsuits that Southwood Realty has been involved in?
A: Southwood Realty has been involved in a number of lawsuits in recent years, alleging a variety of violations of law, including unlawfully assessed eviction fees, lead paint poisoning, and premises liability.
Q: Has Southwood Realty ever been ordered to pay damages in a lawsuit?
A: Yes, Southwood Realty has been ordered to pay damages in a number of lawsuits. For example, in 2005, a Louisiana court awarded a $1.1 million judgment to a child who suffered lead paint poisoning while living in a Southwood Realty apartment complex.
Q: What should tenants do if they are considering renting from Southwood Realty?
A: Tenants who are considering renting from Southwood Realty should be aware of the company’s legal history and should carefully review their lease agreement before signing. Tenants should also consider contacting their state’s housing agency to learn more about their rights as tenants.
Q: What are some of the things that tenants should look for in a lease agreement?
A: Tenants should carefully review their lease agreement before signing to understand their rights and obligations. Some of the things that tenants should look for in a lease agreement include:
- The terms of the lease, including the rent amount and the length of the lease
- The landlord’s and tenant’s responsibilities for maintenance and repairs
- The eviction process
- Any additional fees or charges
Q: What should tenants do if they have a problem with their landlord?
A: If tenants have a problem with their landlord, they should first try to resolve the issue directly with the landlord. If the landlord is unwilling or unable to resolve the issue, tenants may want to contact their state’s housing agency or a local tenant advocacy organization for assistance.
References
- North Carolina Superior Court Judge Approves $7M Settlement For Unlawfully Assessed Eviction Fees: https://www.maginnishoward.com/2020/12/7029343-settlement-where-tenants-were-unlawfully-assessed-eviction-related-fees-by-apartment-complex/
- Adams v. Southwood Realty, CIVIL ACTION NO. 05-2471, SECTION “L” (5): https://casetext.com/case/adams-v-southwood-realty
- Staderman v. Southwood Realty Co., 361 Ga. App. 613: https://casetext.com/case/stadterman-v-southwood-realty-co
