Real Estate Litigation

Case 2: Knapstein v. @PROPERTIES, Case No. 2025-CH-00191
Megan and Matthew Knapstein sued @PROPERTIES after their realtor, Laura Meier, facilitated
a lease agreement with an individual using a fraudulent identity. The tenant, who was later
discovered to be a convicted felon named Floyd Suggs, had used a stolen Social Security number to pass the background check. Despite discovering this discrepancy, Meier allegedly pressured the Knapsteins into finalizing the lease, misleading them into believing the tenant was financially stable. As a result, the plaintiffs suffered months of lost rent, property damage, and legal expenses incurred during the eviction process.

Key Allegations

• Fraudulent Tenant Placements – Realtors allegedly facilitated leases with tenants who
  had severe financial and legal issues, including prior evictions, bankruptcies, and criminal
  charges, without disclosing these facts to the property owners.
• Dual Representation Without Disclosure – The realtors acted as agents for both the
  landlords and tenants without informing the property owners, creating a conflict of
  interest.
• Failure to Conduct Proper Background Checks – Misrepresentation of tenant
  qualifications resulted in financial loss for property owners, including unpaid rent and
  costly eviction proceedings.
• Pressure Tactics & Misleading Information – Realtors allegedly used high-pressure
  sales tactics and provided misleading assurances to property owners, inducing them to
  sign lease agreements under false pretenses.

How The Blake Horwitz Firm Can Help

If you are a property owner who has suffered financial loss due to realtor misconduct, you have legal options. Our experienced attorneys can:

• Assess Your Case – Reviewing your realtor agreements, lease contracts, and
  communications for legal violations.
• Pursue Legal Action – Filing complaints under the Illinois Consumer Fraud and
  Deceptive Business Practices Act and other applicable laws.