July 30, 2026
Just days before trial in July 2024, DHKL and co-counsel reached a $16.5 million settlement in the California class action and a federal False Claims Act case U.S. ex rel Terry, et al. v. Wasatch Advantage Group, et al. The settlement resolved claims of three plaintiffs and two certified classes of Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) tenants in California who challenged Wasatch’s illegal excess rent and charges. The settlement included a $5 million class recovery for excess rent plus interest for over 2,500 low-income California renters and injunctive relief.
With the remaining unclaimed settlement funds, a cy pres award of nearly $1.4 million has been distributed to six California legal services organizations serving Section 8 tenants:
- Bay Area Legal Aid
- Central California Legal Services
- Legal Services of Northern California
- Legal Aid of Sonoma County
- Legal Aid Society of San Diego
- Inland Counties Legal Services
This cy pres award amplifies the case’s impact and supports these organizations offering legal services and advancing tenants’ rights across California.