A former tenant has turned the tables on his corporate ex-landlord, taking the company to court after being evicted.
At the center of the proposed class action were allegations that American Landmark's unlawful fees deepened tenants' debt.
Here's what to know
The lawsuit, filed October 20 in federal court, sought restitution for tenants who lived in the approximately 3,000 apartments American Landmark has operated in North Carolina from October 20, 2022, to the present, according to The Nation.
The complaint alleged violations of state consumer-protection and debt-collection laws, saying mandatory fees added upward of $100 to tenants' monthly costs.
The named plaintiff, who goes by Kelly, allegedly faced legal fees totaling about $1,000 despite owing less than $2,000, The Nation reported. While North Carolina law does allow landlords to charge tenants for certain court costs and attorney fees, it caps attorney fees at 15% of the overdue balance.
Joseph Lubeck, the American Landmark CEO, disputed the allegations in an email to The Nation.
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"American Landmark strongly denies all of the specious claims in the suit, which is clearly an attempt to extort money and rooted in antisemitism, like your previous coverage," he said, adding that services and charges were explained in tenants' contracts and welcome packages.
More background
Among the charges described in the complaint was a mandatory cable-and-internet package costing about $100 a month, according to The Nation. The complaint further alleged that American Landmark continued billing tenants after disconnecting service for nonpayment, then charged $75 or more to reconnect it. Kelly's lease allegedly authorized a reconnection charge of only $25.
When it came to court costs and attorneys' fees, repeated eviction filings could compound those expenses. Kelly's attorneys found that more than 40% of tenants facing an American Landmark eviction filing ended up having another eviction filed against them in the future. In 2025, more than 50 tenants experienced that cycle at least four times, according to the complaint.
The attorneys also found that American Landmark filed 50 evictions for every 100 apartments in fiscal year 2025–26, according to The Nation, compared with 12 evictions per 100 apartments statewide.
For Kelly, the financial consequences allegedly continued even after he had lost his home. According to the complaint, he received a nearly $3,000 early-termination charge following his eviction and continued receiving collection notices for disputed fees.
Where can I learn more?
This isn't the only example of tenants facing problems because of landlords' actions.
• In New York, Legal Aid offered 24-hour emergency help to tenants facing eviction.
• San Diego renters said eviction threats followed their use of a new utility law.
• In Ontario, non-payment eviction filings surged as demand for rent assistance reached a record.
• Missouri tenants won nearly $4 million, debt relief, and repairs after years of complaints.
• A New York lawsuit alleged Blackstone overcharged rent-stabilized tenants by $30 million.
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