Jun 16, 2025
Today, Justly Prudent filed a motion for class certification in federal court to represent hundreds of current and former tenants of Heather Hill Apartments in Temple Hills, Maryland. The lawsuit targets landlords who operated the 459-unit complex without required licenses for over two years while collecting millions in unauthorized rent payments.
The proposed class includes an estimated 500 to 600 tenants who lived at Heather Hill Apartments since April 2022 and paid rent to the defendant property companies. According to court documents, Heather Hill Property Company LLC and Heather Hill Operation Company LLC operated the apartment complex without proper multi-family dwelling licenses from April 2022 through May 2024, and again from August 2024 through January 2025.
During these unlicensed periods, the companies continued collecting rent, entering new leases, renewing existing agreements, and filing over 130 failure-to-pay rent actions against tenants in direct violation of Maryland law. The legal action reveals systematic neglect that created dangerous and uninhabitable conditions throughout the property, including persistent sewage backups flooding units, widespread water damage causing toxic black mold growth, severe pest infestations, and non-functioning essential systems.
"These defendants collected millions of dollars in rent while knowing they did not possess a valid rental license to lease the premises," said Attorney Jordan D. Howlette, who represents lead Plaintiff Charlene Hall. "Meanwhile, they allowed hundreds of families to live in conditions that no human being should have to endure—conditions that have caused serious health problems requiring emergency medical treatment."
The health impacts documented in tenant declarations are particularly alarming. Lead plaintiff Charlene Hall required medical treatment for respiratory problems specifically attributed to black mold exposure in her unit. Another tenant, Keshia Marshall, was forced to take her two teenage sons to the emergency room due to symptoms from mold exposure, requiring the family to temporarily relocate to avoid the toxic conditions.
For the complete details of this case, read our full press release at: https://www.justlyprudent.com/press-releases/heather-hill-tenants-seek-class-action-status-for-unlicensed-operations-and-deplorable-living-conditions