Tenants at Bentley Manor in West Oak Lane have reached a proposed class-action settlement with Odin Properties that could erase about $67,000 in overdue rent and late fees and distribute $75,000 in refunds. The agreement would apply to roughly 70 residents for the period Dec. 14, 2024 through Apr. 28, 2025. The building was declared unsafe by Philadelphia's Department of Licenses and Inspections in November 2024; final court approval is required at a hearing on Oct. 26.
Philadelphia Tenants May Get Rent Forgiven and Refunds After Unsafe-Building Suit
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Tenants at Bentley Manor, a 71-unit apartment building in West Oak Lane, Philadelphia, may receive refunds and have outstanding rent erased under a proposed class-action settlement with landlord Odin Properties and affiliated companies.
What the Settlement Would Do
If the deal wins final court approval, roughly 70 residents would be eligible for two forms of relief: the cancellation of an estimated $67,000 in overdue rent and late fees, and a $75,000 fund to be distributed as refunds among qualifying tenants. The proposed agreement covers the period from December 14, 2024, through April 28, 2025.
Background
In November 2024, Philadelphia's Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) declared Bentley Manor unsafe, citing loose and missing exterior bricks and a leaning parapet that presented an "immediate danger or hazard to health, safety, and welfare." Under Philadelphia law, landlords may not collect rent when a serious L&I violation remains uncorrected for at least 30 days after notice.
Tenants sued Odin Properties over the hazardous conditions; attorneys from the Public Interest Law Center and Hausfeld, representing the tenants, say the proposed settlement could represent the largest known per-tenant award in a class-action case under the city's rental license and certificate rules.
Repairs, Next Steps And Rights
Odin Properties completed the necessary safety repairs at Bentley Manor after the lawsuit was filed in March 2025. Final approval of the settlement still requires a court hearing scheduled for October 26. Eligible tenants (including two former residents) will receive notice in advance and will have the opportunity to object to or opt out of the agreement.
Madison Gray, a staff attorney at the Public Interest Law Center, said, "A settlement was possible because Odin took real steps — on its own — to comply with Philadelphia law. All landlords should follow suit."
Plaintiff Dawn Colbourne added, "We all deserve a safe place to live, no matter who we are. This agreement is a step forward in making sure that happens, and I'm glad that we're taking this step together."
Advocates note that unsafe housing is both a serious health risk and a financial burden for renters. The proposed settlement, if approved, would provide relief to residents affected by prolonged unsafe conditions while reinforcing enforcement of city housing rules.
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