AG Campbell announced that she has reached a settlement with Boston-based property management company Green Ocean Property Management, LLC, resolving allegations that the company charged tenants illegal junk fees disguised as “new lease” and “lease renewal” fees, among other improper fees. Green Ocean manages 377 units in the Greater Boston area, primarily clustered in areas around universities and hospitals. Under the terms of the settlement, Green Ocean will pay $500,000, which will be used to pay restitution to the impacted tenants, and refrain from collecting any illegal fees going forward.

“As Massachusetts residents continue to grapple with an increasingly high cost of living, they should not be forced to pay illegal fees. Last year, my office adopted nation-leading junk fee regulations that make it clear that hidden fees like these are prohibited under the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act. This settlement reminds companies and residents that we will continue to enforce those regulations.” -AG Campbell