On April 11, 2018, the United States entered into a settlement agreement resolving United States v. Belshaw (C.D. Cal.). The complaint, which was filed on April 10, 2018, alleged that a California landlord violated the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act ( SCRA) when he refused to return pet and key deposits to a United States Air Force Lieutenant after he lawfully terminated his lease prior to move-in upon receipt of military orders requiring him to relocate to Texas. Under the settlement agreement, Daniel Belshaw must pay $2,595 in damages to the servicemember, pay a civil penalty of $1,595 to the United States, adopt lease language that complies with the SCRA, report to the United States on SCRA compliance, and refrain from engaging in future SCRA violations. The case was primarily handled by the United States Attorney’s Office.
Press Release (4/11/18)