Santa Monica City Attorney’s Office Obtains Judgment Against Tenant In Rental Scam Case
December 13, 2018 10:42 AM
SANTA MONICA, Calif. – The Santa Monica City Attorney’s Office has reached a final settlement with local resident Patricia Anglano in a lawsuit filed by the City accusing Anglano of harassing multiple sub-tenants and potential renters and taking money from them under false pretenses.
The lawsuit, filed in Santa Monica Superior Court earlier this year, alleged that Anglano engaged in an elaborate scam against more than ten people who responded to online ads to rent a room in her Santa Monica apartment. According to the City’s complaint, Anglano first extracted money from applicants for the room, and then, once their checks were deposited, subjected them to bizarre and harassing behavior designed to make them flee the apartment – or never move in at all. This alleged behavior included:
- Threatening applicants with bodily harm
- Making false accusations to the police and the applicants’ employers
- Invading applicants’ privacy
- Taking away the use of the kitchen, living area, or other amenities
- Warning applicants not to tell anyone about the rental
- Demanding that applicants immediately vacate the apartment
The Santa Monica City Attorney’s Office filed the case under the City’s Tenant Harassment law, which prohibits a range of unlawful behavior by landlords against tenants – including in cases, such as this one, where tenants harass sub-tenants.
Under the terms of the settlement, which was entered as a Final Judgment by the Superior Court, Anglano will be prohibited from ever advertising or renting out a rental unit, room, or other residential space to another person again in the City of Santa Monica. Anglano is also barred from receiving any money for such rentals.
“This is a fair settlement,” said Santa Monica Chief Deputy City Attorney Adam Radinsky who heads the City’s Consumer Protection Division. “Our first job is always to protect the public from unfair and unlawful behavior. This Judgment against Patricia Anglano serves that purpose.”
The Santa Monica City Attorney’s Consumer Protection Division promotes fairness through awareness and enforcement of the law. To report a consumer issue, go to smconsumer.org or call 310-458-8336.
Media Contact
Adam Radinsky
Chief Deputy City Attorney
Adam.Radinsky@SMGOV.NET