Neng Vu v. JD Home Rentals, et al

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF FRESNO

IF YOU ARE A CURRENT OR FORMER RESIDENTIAL TENANT DURING JANUARY 9, 2010 TO DECEMBER 20, 2019 IN A RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY OWNED OR MANAGED, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, INCLUDING THROUGH A PARTNERSHIP OR CORPORATION, BY ANY OF THE DEFENDANTS, INCLUDING JD HOME RENTALS AND/OR ANY OF THE OWNERS OF THE UNITS IN THE CITY OR COUNTY OF FRESNO, CALIFORNIA, YOU COULD RECEIVE MONETARY BENEFITS FROM A CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT.

How does the rent freeze work and when does/did it take effect? The rent freeze took effect on April 29, 2021, and between April 29, 2021 and December 29, 2021, JD Homes was not allowed to and did not raise rents. Due to certain unavoidable delays, the notices to class members went out later than originally expected. Therefore, as a practical matter, all current tenant class members have already received a rent freeze whether they request an inspection or not, although the notice sent to current class member tenants indicated only those who did not choose an inspection would receive a rent freeze. Since current class member tenants have already received a rent freeze whether they choose an inspection or not, there will be no further rent freeze if they do not choose an independent inspection. This means that any current class member tenant who now chooses an inspection will not be disadvantaged by not receiving a rent freeze because s/he already received the benefit of the rent freeze either way. They still must meet the standards for requesting an inspection explained in the notice (a personal, good faith determination that the tenant’s unit may have the types of problem conditions described in the inspection request form).”

This Settlement relates to current or former residential tenants during January 9, 2010 to December 20, 2019, in Fresno City or County, State of California, of the following Defendants: John Hovannisian, an individual and d/b/a JD Home Rentals; David Hovannisian, an individual and d/b/a JD Home Rentals; Bryce Hovannisian, an individual and d/b/a JD Home Rentals; BDHOV, LP, a California limited liability partnership; JHS Family Limited Partnership, a California limited liability partnership; JCH Family Limited Partnership, a California limited liability partnership, and any others associated with the ownership or management of residential properties in the City or County of Fresno, State of California, in which any of the Defendants are involved.
On December 20, 2019, the Superior Court of the State of California, in and for the County of Fresno, granted preliminary approval of a settlement (the “Settlement”) in the Class action lawsuit.
The Settlement provides that current tenants will have the choice between receiving an independent inspection of their residential unit, and required repairs, or an eight-month rent freeze, but not both. All current tenants will have access to an Ombudsman for two years or expiration of the approved budget and to a one-time pest control inspection. Finally, for a period of 12 months, Defendants will agree not to terminate any tenancy except for certain types of good cause.
Former Tenants will receive a rent credit voucher that will be valid for two years or a cash alternative rebate if the voucher is not used, provided the former tenants comply with all claims’ requirements.
Defendants/ JD Home Rentals have denied these allegations.
The attorneys for the Class have been appointed by the court and are experienced in class actions and housing. They recommend the settlement as reasonable based on the relief obtained and the risk of obtaining less relief. They will apply to the court for fees and costs not to exceed $1,150,000 (in addition to some future monitoring legal costs up to $70,000 after the Effective Date of the Settlement), which application will be posted at www.fresnohomerentalsettlement.com. This application will be available by June 17, 2020.
Your legal rights are affected whether you act, or don’t act. Refer to the FAQ for a thorough explanation.

Current Tenants: Notice of Inspection and Notice of Ombudsman were mailed on 11/12/2021.

Former Tenants: Claim forms were mailed on 11/12/2021.

DO NOTHING	If this Settlement is approved, and you do nothing, you will remain a Class Member and you will be bound by the Settlement (including all releases) and all of the Court’s orders. You will be eligible for settlement benefits.
YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS AND OPTIONS IN THIS SETTLEMENT:
EXCLUDE YOURSELF AUGUST 22, 2020	If you choose to exclude yourself, you will not receive the benefits available under the Settlement. You must submit a timely written request to exclude yourself from the Settlement to the Settlement Administrator by August 22, 2020.
OBJECT AUGUST 22, 2020	To object, you must submit a written statement to the Settlement Administrator postmarked or delivered by August 22, 2020 at the following address: Vu v. JD Home Rentals Settlement Administrator P.O. Box 43550 Providence, RI 02940-3550
GO TO THE HEARING FEBRUARY 25, 2021 3:30PM	The Final Approval Hearing will be held on February 25, 2021 at 3:30 p.m. in Department 503 of the Fresno County Superior Court. You may attend the hearing, but you do not have to do so.