A group of tenants has taken legal action against a real estate corporation, alleging violations of privacy and consumer protection laws. On March 5, 2025, Gerardo Diaz and other plaintiffs filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura, against Global Integrity Realty Corporation. The lawsuit accuses the defendant of breaching the Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act (ICRAA) and failing to provide necessary disclosures during tenant screenings.
The plaintiffs—Gerardo Diaz, Amparo Valdovinos-Diaz, Peter Anaya, Janae Diaz, Alyssa Rangel, and Angelique Rangel—are residents or prospective tenants at the Capes at Ventura Apartments in Ventura, California. They claim that Global Integrity Realty Corporation violated their rights by not adhering to ICRAA regulations when conducting background checks. According to the complaint, landlords must notify consumers about investigative reports on their character and provide details about the reporting agency involved. However, Global Integrity Realty allegedly failed to meet these requirements.
The lawsuit outlines several specific grievances. The plaintiffs assert that they were not given an option to receive copies of their investigative reports nor informed about their right to such information. Furthermore, they allege that Global Integrity Realty Corporation acted willfully and negligently by disregarding its legal obligations under ICRAA. The plaintiffs are seeking various forms of relief from the court: actual damages for emotional distress and invasion of privacy; statutory damages amounting to $10,000 per report; punitive damages; declaratory relief; and an injunction to prevent further violations.
The case highlights broader issues concerning tenant rights and privacy protections in California's rental market. By filing this lawsuit as private attorney generals, the plaintiffs aim not only to address their grievances but also to safeguard other tenants from similar infractions. They emphasize that any waiver of liability would undermine ICRAA's objectives and contravene public policy.
Represented by Glenn A. Murphy from Litigation Advocacy Group, the plaintiffs have requested a judicial declaration affirming that Global Integrity Realty's practices violate ICRAA standards. They also seek permanent injunctive relief mandating compliance with disclosure requirements for future tenant screenings.
The attorneys involved in this case include Glenn A. Murphy from Litigation Advocacy Group representing the plaintiffs. As it stands now before Judge Joan Foster under Case No. 2025 CUBTO39444 in Ventura Superior Court—the outcome could set significant precedents regarding consumer protection within residential leasing agreements across California.