United States v. Crowe (M.D. Ala.)

On June 16, 2017, the parties entered into a settlement agreement in United States v. Crowe (M.D. Ala.). The complaint, filed on June 13, 2017, alleged that an Alabama landlord violated the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act ("SCRA") when she refused to return any portion of the security deposit to a United States Air Force Major after he lawfully terminated his lease early upon receipt of military orders. The complaint also alleged that the landlord claimed damages to the property that were far in excess of what could appropriately be charged to the tenant. Under the agreement, Ms. Michele Crowe must pay a total of $1,900 in damages ($1,425 to the servicemember and a $475 civil penalty 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. This matter was referred to the Department by the Chief of Community Legal Services, Legal Issues Division, United States Air Force.