Columbus Property Management is a publicly subsidized nonprofit tasked with providing decent, safe, and affordable housing for vulnerable populations across Philadelphia, including low-income tenants and tenants with disabilities. On June 7, 2024, in partnership with Holland and Knight, we brought suit on behalf of nine residents across three Columbus apartment complexes, alleging various security failures, leaks that turned to mold, rampant pest infestations, broken appliances, and other serious habitability issues that went unaddressed for months or years. 

Columbus negotiated in good faith to find a resolution, and we settled the case, securing a significant victory for our clients, and for thousands of other low-income renters: Columbus agreed to improve its Philadelphia region maintenance practices, revamp its customer service practices, inspect all units in its Philadelphia region portfolio and promptly make repairs where needed across its buildings. The agreement provides for third party monitoring, and the tenants can take Columbus back to court if it doesn’t comply.  

Read the final agreement here. 

“We had a voice. When you use your voice and speak up you learn there are a lot more people out there going through the same thing,” said Marie Reese, one of the plaintiffs. “This agreement is going to help everyone.”