Legal Action Against @PROPERTIES: Protecting Consumers from Realtor Misconduct

In two separate legal actions, property owners in Cook County, Illinois, have filed lawsuits
against @PROPERTIES, alleging misconduct and deceptive business practices. The cases
highlight how realtors may fail in their duty to protect property owners, leading to financial loss
and legal complications.

Case Summaries

Case 1: Shah v. @PROPERTIES, Case No. 2024-CH-08460
Bijal Shah, Uma Bansal, and Bumal Properties, LLC filed a lawsuit against @PROPERTIES,
alleging that the company and its agents failed to properly vet a tenant, Morrell Neely. Despite
Neely’s history of multiple bankruptcies, unpaid eviction judgments exceeding $700,000, and a
federal fraud indictment, @PROPERTIES’ agents allegedly misrepresented his financial
stability. The realtors also failed to disclose their dual agency representation of both the plaintiffs
and Leading the Plaintiffs to unknowingly rent their $2 million home to a non-paying tenant. The
Plaintiffs faced significant financial losses, including unpaid rent and legal fees to evict Neely.
The Blake Horwitz Law Firm was able to secure the Plaintiffs a successful outcome.

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.