Listen to article \u2022\u00a00:00 min<\/p>\n
Renters in West Oak Lane<\/a> who filed a class-action lawsuit against one of Philadelphia\u2019s largest landlords over unsafe conditions will get rent forgiveness and refunds under an agreement approved by a Philadelphia judge Monday.<\/p>\n Tenants at the Bentley Manor apartments sued Philadelphia-based Odin Properties<\/a> and affiliated companies in March 2025 over outstanding violations issued by the city\u2019s Department of Licenses and Inspections<\/a>.<\/p>\n In November 2024, L&I had declared the 71-unit apartment building unsafe, citing loose and missing bricks on exterior walls and a leaning parapet<\/a>. The department said property conditions presented an \u201cimmediate danger or hazard to health, safety, and welfare.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00bb READ MORE: Tenants are suing one of Philly\u2019s biggest landlords after months of unsafe conditions<\/a><\/p>\n Soon after tenants sued, Odin Properties made necessary safety repairs at the building. But Philadelphia law prohibits landlords from collecting rent if they have a serious violation from L&I that has been outstanding for at least 30 days from when they received notice.<\/p>\n Under an agreement reached with tenants<\/a> earlier this year, Odin Properties and affiliated companies agreed to forgive a total of about $67,000 in unpaid rent and associated late fees, and to refund a total of $75,000 for 68 renters. Tenants are entitled to rent relief and refunds for the time period of Dec. 14, 2024, through April 28, 2025.<\/p>\n Common Pleas Court Judge James C. Crumlish III gave final approval for the agreement at a hearing Monday, clearing the way for renters to receive payments.<\/p>\n The agreement provides for the largest known per-tenant award in a class-action lawsuit under Philadelphia\u2019s rental license and certificate law, according to the Philadelphia-based nonprofit Public Interest Law Center<\/a> and the Philadelphia-based Hausfeld law firm, which sued on behalf of tenants.<\/p>\n