May 1, 2026
The Daily Journal recognized Dardarian Ho Kan & Lee (DHKL) for its significant result in Munguia-Brown v. Equity Residential, a class action challenging unlawful late rent fees charged to California tenants.
Following more than 11 years of litigation, including an eight-day bench trial in June 2023, DHKL and co-counsel secured an approximately $43 million settlement benefiting nearly 200,000 California tenants.
The settlement followed an April 2024 ruling by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, which declared Equity Residential’s late fee of 5% of monthly rent, with a $50 minimum, “null and void” under California law.
The settlement provides restitution payments and credits for unlawful late fees, as well as attorneys’ fees and costs. Equity Residential also discontinued its percentage-based late fee in May 2024, providing additional savings for tenants.