REDDING, Calif. – California Attorney General Rob Bonta, alongside Shasta County District Attorney Stephanie Bridgett, announced a settlement on Wednesday with Property Upsurge, a Redding property management company.
Officials say that this settlement addresses allegations of the company violating the Tenant Protection Act by issuing improper eviction notices and imposing illegal rent increases.
The California Department of Justice, in partnership with the Shasta County District Attorney’s Office, launched an investigation into Property Upsurge in 2023. The investigation found that the company, which manages around 1,300 rental units in Northern California, violated several state laws, including the California Tenant Protection Act and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act.
“Forcing families out of their homes, charging illegal rent, and targeting vulnerable tenants is not just unjust, it’s unlawful,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Every Californian, in every corner of our state, deserves housing that is safe, stable, and reliable.”
“Today’s settlement and my office’s tenant protection work proves that if landlords or property managers, no matter how small or large, violate tenant protections laws, my office will come knocking. I thank the Shasta County District Attorney’s Office, Legal Services of Northern California, and City of Redding’s Code Enforcement Division for their assistance with this investigation,” continued Bonta.
As part of the settlement, Property Upsurge must pay $550,000 to tenants and provide $200,000 in debt relief, as well as $50,000 in civil penalties. The company is also required to comply with the Tenant Protection Act, design new policies for tracking rent increases, and conduct annual compliance audits for three years.
“This resolution reflects our strong partnership with state and local agencies and our commitment to protecting residents of Shasta County,” said Shasta County District Attorney Stephanie A. Bridgett. “We will continue working to address unlawful business practices and help ensure tenants are treated fairly under the law.”
Property Upsurge must also cease charging three-day notice fees, limit late fees to actual costs, respond promptly to tenant complaints, and rent units at the same rate regardless of payment method. The settlement is subject to court approval.
Attorney General Bonta has been actively working to protect tenant rights across California. Last year, he secured significant settlements with other property management companies to address similar violations that had occurred, including a $7 million settlement with Greystar Management Services LLC.
Members of the public who believe their landlord has violated the law are encouraged to file a report online. Legal aid resources are available here for tenants in need of assistance.