After taking their landlord to court over hazardous living conditions, tenants at one Philadelphia building may end up getting money back while also having unpaid rent wiped away.
If the proposed class-action deal is approved, roughly 70 renters in a West Oak Lane apartment building would qualify for those refunds and rent cancellations.
What happened?
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that residents of Bentley Manor, a 71-unit building in West Oak Lane, reached a proposed settlement with Odin Properties and affiliated companies after suing over unsafe conditions.
The agreement would erase an estimated $67,000 in overdue rent and late fees and refund tenants $75,000.
In November 2024, the Department of Licenses and Inspections deemed Bentley Manor unsafe and cited loose and missing bricks on exterior walls and a leaning parapet that posed an "immediate danger or hazard to health, safety, and welfare."
Philadelphia law prevents landlords from charging rent when a serious Department of Licenses and Inspections violation remains unresolved for at least 30 days after notice.
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Attorneys with the Public Interest Law Center and Hausfeld, the firms representing the tenants, said they believe the case marks the biggest known per-tenant award in a class-action matter under Philadelphia's rental license and certificate law.
The proposed settlement covers December 14, 2024, through April 28, 2025.
Why does it matter?
Unsafe housing can be both a serious health concern and a financial burden for renters.
What's being done?
Final court approval is still needed. Before a hearing scheduled for October 26, eligible tenants, including two former tenants, will receive notice and have the opportunity to object or opt out of the agreement.
Odin Properties completed the necessary safety repairs at Bentley Manor after the case was filed in March 2025.
Madison Gray, staff attorney at the Public Interest Law Center, said in a statement, "A settlement was possible because Odin took real steps — on its own — to comply with Philadelphia law. All landlords should follow suit."
"We all deserve a safe place to live, no matter who we are," said plaintiff Dawn Colbourne. "This agreement is a step forward in making sure that happens, and I'm glad that we're taking this step together."
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