Hawthorne Residential Partners, a well-known property management firm headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, has been at the center of several lawsuits in recent years. These legal disputes have raised serious questions about tenant rights, corporate responsibility, and the standards of rental housing in the United States. The lawsuits vary in scope, but many revolve around allegations of negligence, unfair eviction practices, and violations of the Fair Housing Act. In this article, we explore the key issues and outcomes of these lawsuits, how they have impacted tenants, and what this means for the future of property management.
Who Are Hawthorne Residential Partners?
Founded in 2009, Hawthorne Residential Partners manages residential communities across the Southeastern United States. With more than 175 properties and thousands of rental units under its umbrella, the company has grown rapidly in the multifamily housing sector. Known for branding their communities with terms like “luxury living” and “resort-style amenities,” the company has positioned itself as a high-end housing provider. However, for many tenants, the reality has not matched the promise.
Why the Lawsuit Matters
The lawsuits against Hawthorne Residential Partners are more than just legal disputes—they represent a larger conversation about how tenants are treated in privately managed rental housing. Tenants across several states have come forward to share stories of unsafe conditions, unreasonable charges, and lack of support from property managers. The legal battles shine a light on how some property firms may prioritize profit over responsibility, and the outcomes of these cases may help set precedents for renter protection across the country.
Timeline of Events
The legal issues involving Hawthorne Residential Partners span from as early as 2018 up to recent developments in 2025. One of the earliest and most significant lawsuits was filed in North Carolina, resulting in a class action that brought forward serious concerns about the company’s eviction practices. Since then, tenants in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida have launched cases addressing a wide array of problems ranging from personal injury due to negligence to discrimination and unfair treatment.
Legal Grounds and Allegations
Among the most common allegations are violations of the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin. Several lawsuits claim the company failed to provide reasonable accommodations to tenants with disabilities. Others allege that eviction fees were applied improperly or that tenants were misled through collection letters threatening legal action.
In some cases, former tenants have cited issues such as mold, broken utilities, or pest infestations that went unresolved for extended periods. These conditions not only violated local housing codes but also put the health and safety of residents at risk.
Johnson v. Hawthorne Residential Partners
One of the most well-known cases is the North Carolina class-action suit: Johnson v. Hawthorne Residential Partners. Filed in 2018, this lawsuit alleged that the company unlawfully charged eviction-related fees and issued misleading debt collection notices. The case was eventually settled with a $500,000 cash fund for impacted tenants and an estimated $2.7 million in waived debt.
This outcome meant that tenants who had received the improper letters or were affected by the illegal fees received modest financial compensation—typically around $50 per tenant. While the individual payouts were small, the case was important for holding the company accountable and setting a legal precedent.
Jehramyus v. Hawthorne Residential Partners
In a more recent lawsuit filed in 2025 in Georgia, a tenant named D’Jai Okolo Jehramyus brought forward a case alleging that Hawthorne failed to provide disability accommodations as required under the Fair Housing Act. The tenant claimed that repeated requests for adjustments related to accessibility were ignored, which resulted in emotional and physical stress. The case is currently ongoing and being heard in a federal court, indicating the seriousness of the allegations.
Watts v. Rivarel LLC and Hawthorne Residential Partners
In South Carolina, another significant case is Shannon Watts v. Rivarel LLC, in which Hawthorne is a listed defendant. The plaintiff alleges that she suffered injury due to unsafe conditions at the apartment complex and that management failed to address her concerns despite repeated warnings. This case, too, brings attention to how neglect and poor communication can lead to physical harm and potential lawsuits.
Outcomes and Settlements
In the Johnson case, the court-ordered settlement provided both financial compensation and policy reforms. Besides the direct payouts and waived debts, the company was instructed to stop using misleading eviction language in future correspondence. Other cases have resulted in changes to tenant communication policies, improved maintenance procedures, and more rigorous compliance with housing laws.
The financial costs of these settlements have also added pressure on the company to revamp its internal training and operations. While not all lawsuits end in multimillion-dollar penalties, the reputational damage alone has pushed many property firms, including Hawthorne, to reassess how they engage with residents.
Reputational Impact
Media coverage and online tenant reviews reflect growing dissatisfaction with Hawthorne Residential Partners. On platforms like Google Reviews and ApartmentRatings, former tenants frequently cite poor communication, delayed maintenance, and lack of transparency. For a company that prides itself on community branding and upscale living, these lawsuits are a major blow.
Potential renters often research management companies before signing leases, and ongoing litigation can dissuade new tenants and investors alike. This reputational decline might also influence local governments and housing advocates to keep a closer eye on large property managers moving forward.
Tenant Rights and Legal Protections
Understanding tenant rights is critical in situations like these. Under federal law, tenants are entitled to safe, habitable housing and freedom from discrimination. Most states also require landlords to maintain the premises, respond promptly to repair requests, and follow strict rules for evictions and fees.
If a tenant believes their rights are being violated, they should document every interaction, take photos of damages or health hazards, and keep copies of all communication. Consulting with a tenant rights attorney can help clarify legal options and possibly initiate a claim.
What to Do If You’re Affected
Tenants who suspect they are part of a class action, like the Johnson case, can check online settlement websites or contact law firms that handle housing litigation. Even if a settlement is no longer accepting claims, affected individuals may still have options to pursue separate legal action or file complaints with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Local fair housing organizations can also offer support, advocacy, and guidance on how to navigate landlord-tenant disputes.
Lessons for Tenants and Landlords
For tenants, the biggest lesson is to stay informed and proactive. Know your rights, don’t be afraid to ask for repairs in writing, and hold management accountable if they fail to uphold their end of the lease. For landlords and property management companies, these lawsuits serve as a wake-up call.
Prioritizing resident well-being, investing in training, and being transparent in communication are not just best practices—they’re necessities. As rental markets grow more competitive, firms that neglect their tenants risk more than just bad reviews—they face legal, financial, and reputational consequences.
Conclusion: A Turning Point for Tenant Accountability
The Hawthorne Residential Partners lawsuit marks a significant moment in the ongoing conversation about renter rights and corporate accountability. With legal action exposing unethical practices, more tenants are speaking out, demanding fairness and safety in their homes. For many renters, these lawsuits are not just about compensation—they’re about justice and dignity.
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FAQs
What is the Hawthorne Residential Partners lawsuit about?
It involves multiple cases alleging tenant mistreatment, including illegal fees, lack of maintenance, and housing discrimination.
Who qualifies for compensation?
Tenants who were affected by unlawful fees or practices and are part of class-action settlements may qualify.
What are my rights as a tenant?
You have the right to safe housing, fair treatment, timely repairs, and legal protection from discrimination and unlawful eviction.
How do I join or file a tenant lawsuit?
Contact a housing attorney, check if you qualify for class action settlements, and file complaints with local housing authorities or HUD.
What should landlords learn from this?
Clear communication, tenant-focused service, and full legal compliance are critical to avoid lawsuits and protect reputation.