Attorney General Todd Rokita has secured a legal victory for residents of Plymouth, Indiana, following unsafe living conditions at The Pointe Apartments on Kingston Road. The lawsuit was brought after tenants reported issues including roof leaks, black mold, and dangerous electrical problems.
One resident described being shocked while showering last summer due to mishandled electrical work. In response, the Marshall County Circuit Court ordered RICH-MONS Group LLC, the landlord, to pay $303,702 in damages and penalties.
“This judgment sends a clear message that landlords must uphold their legal obligations to maintain safe and habitable living conditions,” Attorney General Rokita said. “Tenants who pay their rent, or the taxpayers who may subsidize this rent, absolutely deserve the protection of the law, and we are committed to enforcing these rights vigorously.”
The court’s ruling requires restitution for former tenants totaling $214,902 for damages such as mental anguish and actual losses. It also includes $13,800 for costs incurred by the Office of the Attorney General during investigation and prosecution of the case and a $75,000 civil penalty for violations of the Deceptive Consumer Sales Act.
The lawsuit was initiated by the Consumer Protection Division’s Homeowner Protection Unit after an inspection by Plymouth’s Building Commissioner found severe safety violations that resulted in about 20 residents being displaced from their homes.
“I would also like to thank Asst. Section Chief Timothy Weber and HPU Investigator Molly Jefford for their respective roles in resolving this matter,” Attorney General Rokita said. “We are lucky to have public servants like them working every day to ensure that our office does everything that we can to protect Hoosier homeowners.”
The Homeowner Protection Unit continues its work safeguarding tenant rights and ensuring equal access to safe housing across Indiana. Its mission includes investigating deceptive acts related to mortgage lending and enforcing both state and federal laws within the housing market.
Consumers with complaints can contact the Office of the Attorney General at indianaconsumer.com or by calling 1-800-382-5516.
