In a recent ruling that upholds the rights of tenants, the Santa Monica City Attorney's Office secured a judgment and injunction against landlord Nahid Jahanbin and her son, following allegations of a persistent campaign of harassment aimed at a family living in a rent-controlled home, this outcome marks a victory in the fight against landlord overreach. According to the City of Santa Monica's press release, the court action was in response to several forms of harassment including multiple wrongful eviction attempts, utility shutoffs, unsanctioned filming, and other intimidating strategies.
The case, presided over by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mark H. Epstein and detailed under Case No. 21SMCV05298, outlined serious violations by the Defendants who, through their actions, sought to forcibly remove a family of four, with young children, from their home, such actions were met with resolute legal resistance and ultimately led to a favorable outcome for the tenants. The Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles provided invaluable support as they represented the tenants in defeating all four eviction attempts, while the private lawsuit brought by the tenants was managed by the firm Trygstad, Schwab & Trygstad, as reported by the City of Santa Monica.
In a settlement that highlights accountability, Jahanbin and her son have agreed to several significant remedies. They are required to pay $450,000, part of which will bolster housing protection efforts in Santa Monica, they will also step down from managing residential rental properties in Santa Monica and must employ a third-party property manager vetted by the city for any properties they own, as detailed by the City of Santa Monica. Additionally, the agreement stipulates that they must attend a city-approved landlord-tenant training program, and will face a steep minimum penalty of $10,000 per violation if the agreement's terms are not adhered to.
Reinforcing the importance of stable housing, City Attorney Doug Sloan emphasized the city's commitment to defending tenants, declaring, "Every family deserves dignity, respect and stability in their home," a declaration drawn from the principles that underlie the city's tenant protection laws, as stated by the City of Santa Monica.
