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Landlord/Tenant
Commercial Property
Negligence

People of the State of California and City of Los Angeles v. Deutsche Bank National Trust Co.

Published: Jul. 13, 2013 | Result Date: Jun. 28, 2013 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: BC460878 Settlement –  $10,000,000

Court

L.A. Superior Central


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Carmen A. Trutanich
(Tucker Ellis LLP)


Defendant

John J. Rosenthal
(Winston & Strawn LLP)

Brian M. Jazaeri
(Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP)

Kathleen A. Waters


Facts

The State of California and the City of Los Angeles sued Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. accusing the bank of allowing foreclosed properties to fall into disrepair.

About 2,000 foreclosed homes in the San Fernando Valley, South Los Angeles, and other areas fell into squalor. Many became graffiti-scarred dens for squatters and criminals.

The bank disputed plaintiffs' claims, and repeatedly advised officials that loan servicers were contractually responsible for both the maintenance of foreclosed properties.

Damages

The lawsuit sought hundreds of millions of dollars in penalties and restitution.

Result

Without admitting any wrongdoing, the bank agreed to settle the lawsuit for $10 million, to be paid by various loan servicers and securitization trusts, and not by the bank. The bank also agreed to ensure that foreclosed properties are well-maintained in Los Angeles.

Other Information

FILING DATE: March 4, 2011


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