INDIANA – Attorney General Todd Rokita today announced a landmark settlement with Progress Residential, LLC and Pretium Partners, LLC, one of the nation’s largest owners and operators of single-family rental homes, resolving allegations that the companies engaged in deceptive and unfair practices affecting renters, including Hoosiers. The settlement provides $48.5 million in monetary relief for consumers nationwide and requires sweeping reforms to the companies’ business practices.
According to Attorney General Rokita, his office joined the bipartisan enforcement action alongside the Federal Trade Commission, the Arizona Attorney General, the Colorado Attorney General, and the Utah Division of Consumer Protection. He said his team played a pivotal role in investigating the matter and developing claims under Indiana consumer protection laws.
“We will always welcome investment in housing and recognize the important role private capital can play in increasing opportunities for Hoosier families,” Attorney General Rokita said. “But no company, regardless of size or financial backing, gets a free pass to mislead consumers, impose hidden charges or treat tenants unfairly. This settlement sends a clear message: If you do business in Indiana, you must deal honestly and comply with the law.”
The complaint, filed in the United States District Court in the Northern District of Georgia, alleged that the defendants advertised rental prices that did not reflect the actual cost tenants were required to pay, imposed hidden and improperly disclosed fees, mishandled security deposits, misrepresented the condition of rental properties, restricted consumer reviews, and failed to adequately address tenant complaints and maintenance issues.
Under the settlement, the companies must make significant changes to their business practices that will benefit tenants in Indiana and across the country. Among other requirements, the companies must:
Increase Pricing Transparency
- Clearly disclose the total monthly rental price in advertisements and listings.
- Prominently disclose mandatory fees and charges before consumers commit to renting a property.
- Stop misrepresenting the nature, purpose, amount, or timing of rental-related fees.
Protect Security Deposits
- Stop withholding security deposits for ordinary wear and tear.
- Provide detailed, itemized explanations of deductions from security deposits.
- Maintain records and photographs supporting deposit deductions.
- Ensure charges are consistent with state law and actual tenant responsibility.
Improve Property Conditions and Maintenance Practices
- Stop making misleading claims regarding property condition, safety, cleanliness, and readiness for move-in.
- Improve customer-service practices relating to maintenance requests and tenant complaints.
- Provide clearer communication and escalation pathways for tenant concerns.
Ensure Fair Treatment of Tenants
- Stop enforcing contractual provisions that unlawfully restrict consumers from sharing reviews and experiences.
- Prohibit improper charges that could lead to late fees, eviction threats, or other penalties.
- Ensure tenants can dispute fees without losing the ability to pay rent.
Through the Attorney General’s Rokita’s Consumer Protection Division and Homeowner Protection Unit, Indiana has focused on ensuring that large institutional actors operating in the housing market follow the same rules that apply to every landlord doing business in the state.
The settlement’s consumer redress funds will be used for relief as directed by the Stipulated Order.
The Complaint and Stipulated Order are available here and here.
Hoosiers are encouraged to contact the Office of the Indiana Attorney General about any suspected scams or scam attempts. Consumers can file a complaint by visiting indianaconsumer.com or calling 1-800-382-5516.
