California Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed a lawsuit against property management companies owned by Southern California real estate tycoon Swaranjit “Mike” Nijjar and his family. The lawsuit, which follows a three-year investigation, accuses the companies, known as PAMA Management, of violating California housing laws. Allegations include subjecting tenants to unsafe living conditions, discriminating against applicants with Section 8 housing vouchers, overcharging rent, and using deceptive leases.
Attorney General Bonta stated: “PAMA and the companies owned by Mike Nijjar and his family are notorious for their rampant, slum-like conditions — some so bad that residents have suffered tragic results. Our investigation into Nijjar’s properties revealed PAMA exploited vulnerable families, refusing to invest the resources needed to eradicate pest infestations, fix outdated roofs, and install functioning plumbing systems, all while deceiving tenants about their rights to sue their landlord and demand repairs.”
The lawsuit seeks penalties, restitution for financial harm to tenants, disgorgement of ill-gotten gains, and injunctive relief to prevent further unlawful practices. Bonta expressed gratitude to those who came forward during the investigation: “I am grateful to all the people who came forward, including the DOJ Consumer Protection Team, California reporters who sounded the alarm, local code enforcement officers who tirelessly respond to tenant complaints, and most of all PAMA tenants who spoke out about their distressing experiences.”
Nijjar’s companies manage over 22,000 rental units across several counties in California. The lawsuit details violations such as water intrusion from leaking roofs and outdated plumbing; structural damage; malfunctioning plumbing; cockroach and rodent infestations; deceptive lease terms; discrimination against Section 8 voucher holders; unlawful rent increases; and failure to comply with real-estate licensing requirements.
The complaint highlights ongoing business practices that compromise tenant safety and health. It also notes that despite repeated lawsuits and code violations over habitability issues — including an incident in 2016 where an infant died in a fire at one of PAMA’s mobile homes — these practices have persisted.
The Attorney General encourages anyone with relevant information about this case to report it through official channels.
