Hawthorne Residential Partners, a prominent property management firm headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, has been involved in various legal disputes over recent years. These cases span allegations of civil rights violations, negligence, and breach of contract, reflecting the multifaceted challenges faced by property management companies.
Jehramyus v. Hawthorne Residential Partners LLC (2025)
On January 24, 2025, D’Jai Okolo Jehramyus filed a lawsuit against Hawthorne Residential Partners LLC in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. The case, presided over by Judge Victoria M. Calvert, alleges violations of civil rights related to accommodations, invoking the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. § 3601). Jehramyus claims that the company engaged in discriminatory practices concerning housing accommodations. The court granted Jehramyus’s application to proceed in forma pauperis, allowing the case to move forward without the burden of court fees due to financial constraints. As of now, the case is in its early stages, with both parties preparing for the discovery phase.
Watts v. Rivarel LLC and Hawthorne Residential Partners LLC (2024)
In September 2024, Shannon Watts initiated a lawsuit against Rivarel LLC, doing business as Ashley River Apartments, and Hawthorne Residential Partners LLC in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, Charleston Division. Watts alleges that on January 27, 2022, she suffered injuries after tripping and falling on a defective stairwell at Ashley River Apartments, where she was a resident. She contends that the handrail was not properly anchored, leading to a hazardous condition. The defendants include property managers Daniel Buckley and Linda Steinaway, who Watts claims were responsible for maintaining the premises. The defendants sought to dismiss the case, arguing lack of duty and improper joinder to manipulate jurisdiction. However, the court granted Watts’s motion to remand the case to state court, emphasizing that property managers could owe a duty of care to tenants, thereby allowing the negligence claims to proceed.
Simonton v. Hawthorne Residential Partners LLC (2024)
On August 7, 2024, Cheryl Simonton, represented by attorney Alan Robert Kolodny, filed a lawsuit against Hawthorne Residential Partners LLC and 27seventy Lower Heights in the Harris County Civil Court. While specific details of the allegations are limited, the case underscores ongoing legal challenges faced by the company. The proceedings are in the preliminary stages, with the court yet to rule on motions or set trial dates.
Golod v. Hawthorne Residential Partners (2023)
In February 2023, Celia Golod and others filed a case against Hawthorne Residential Partners in the jurisdiction of Florida’s Palm Beach County. Represented by attorney Jeffrey W. Maddux, the plaintiffs alleged issues related to property management. Specific details of the case are scarce, but it highlights the legal scrutiny property management companies often face concerning their operations.
Schank v. Hawthorne Residential Partners LLC (2022)
On September 12, 2022, Gregory J. Schank filed a breach of contract lawsuit against Hawthorne Residential Partners LLC and associated entities in Florida. The case, categorized under commercial disputes, suggests disagreements over contractual obligations. While detailed information is limited, such cases are common in the property management industry, often involving disagreements over lease terms, maintenance responsibilities, or financial arrangements.
Lanzi v. Hawthorne Residential Partners LLC (2019)
In December 2019, Blaise Lanzi filed a complaint against Hawthorne Residential Partners LLC and White Eagle Property Group LLC in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina. The nature of the lawsuit indicates potential issues related to property management practices. Although specific allegations are not detailed, the case adds to the series of legal challenges faced by the company over the years.
Analysis and Implications
The recurring legal challenges involving Hawthorne Residential Partners LLC highlight the complex landscape of property management. Allegations ranging from civil rights violations to negligence and breach of contract underscore the necessity for stringent compliance with legal standards and proactive engagement with tenant concerns.
In the case of Jehramyus v. Hawthorne Residential Partners LLC, the allegations of discriminatory practices, if proven, could lead to significant reputational damage and financial penalties under the Fair Housing Act. This emphasizes the critical importance of equitable treatment in housing accommodations.
The Watts case sheds light on the duty of care property managers owe to their tenants. The court’s decision to remand the case to state court suggests that property managers can be held personally liable for negligence, reinforcing the need for rigorous maintenance protocols and safety measures.
The series of lawsuits also reflects the broader challenges in the property management industry, where companies must navigate tenant relations, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. Proactive measures, such as regular property inspections, transparent communication channels, and comprehensive staff training, are essential to mitigate legal risks.
Conclusion
Hawthorne Residential Partners LLC’s involvement in multiple lawsuits over recent years underscores the intricate responsibilities inherent in property management. These cases serve as a reminder of the critical importance of adhering to legal obligations, maintaining property safety, and fostering positive tenant relationships. As the legal proceedings unfold, they will likely offer further insights into best practices and areas for improvement within the property management sector.a
