Invitation Homes is one of the nation’s largest property rental agencies, with access to more than 80,000 homes nationwide including thousands of properties in Georgia alone. Despite their glossy ads featuring smiling families in sparkling new homes, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns that this mega property management company has used unfair business practices and unlawful actions against renters for many years. After an FTC lawsuit, Invitation Homes has agreed to a massive $48 million settlement to refund consumers harmed by the company’s dishonest business practices.
The Invitation Homes company was previously known as Starwood Waypoint Homes, Colony American Homes, Riverstone Residential, and Treehouse Group before a merger in 2012 brought the company under the umbrella of Blackstone, Inc.
According to the FTC Chair, Invitation homes used a variety of unlawful practices to maximize their profits at the expense of renters and lease-holders, including in Georgia. The following list highlights some of the unlawful tactics used by Invitation Homes at the expense of their tenants.
Junk fees are hidden fees that make a renter’s monthly lease payments higher than advertised, amounting to tens of millions of dollars in company profits at the expense of consumers. Renters report hidden costs totaling as much as $1,700 per year for smart home fees and air filter delivery that were not disclosed prior to signing the contract.
In addition, applicants paid non-refundable application fees of $55 dollars per applicant, amounting to $18 million in profits for the company between 2018 and 2024.
Many Invitation Homes renters report homes in a state of disrepair, including major problems such as flooding, mold, sewage backups, exposed wiring, and rodents. Between 2018 and 2023, there were an alarming 33,328 work order requests submitted by renters within the first week of their move-in dates.
In addition, the company often failed to answer phones and neglected to return calls when renters sought repairs despite advertising move-in ready conditions and “24-7 emergency maintenance.”
Invitation homes unjustly withheld security deposits when renters moved out, citing unclean conditions and disrepair even when homes were in better condition than when the tenants moved. The company commonly withheld security deposits for normal wear and tear that occurs over time despite the company’s prior reassurance to renters that they would only be charged for damage beyond normal wear and tear.
Complaints reveal that Invitation Homes frequently charged renters for repairs and renovations made to the home after the renter moved out, including a practice that charged renters by default for upkeep and repair costs without an inspection and only addressed the issue in response to disputes when they bothered to respond to disputes.
Complaints showed that Invitation Homes used unfair eviction practices, including during the COVID-19 pandemic when restrictions were placed on tenant evictions by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The company wrongfully guided tenants into signing their company’s private hardship affidavits rather than the affidavit issued by the CDC while the company’s affidavit did not protect against eviction.
Invitation Homes also frequently filed eviction notices against tenants who had already moved out of the home.
Under the terms of the settlement, many previous tenants of Invitation Homes properties are entitled to recover compensation for fees that were unjustly charged to them. In addition, the settlement requires fair practices by Invitation Homes going forward, prohibiting them from adding hidden fees to monthly lease payments, requiring fair returns of security deposits, and practicing fair eviction standards.
The Atlanta personal injury lawyers at Piasta Walker Hagenbush, LLC have the skills to represent clients involved in lawsuits against Invitation Homes. With a proven track record of securing substantial settlements in premises liability cases, such as an $18 million settlement for unsafe premises and an $11.25 million verdict for a premises liability case, our team of experienced attorneys are experienced in handling complex litigation.
In light of recent allegations against Invitation Homes—including wrongful evictions, withheld security deposits, and ignored maintenance requests, Atlanta premises liability attorneys at Piasta Walker Hagenbush have expertise in Georgia laws to effectively advocate for affected tenants, ensuring your rights are protected and compensation is pursued. Contact an attorney at our law firm today to find out how to get started filing a claim.
"*" indicates required fields