Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced that his Office reached a settlement in his case against Investment Property Group, UT, Inc., (IPG), who has agreed to provide more than $5 million in relief to Minnesota tenants. In his October 19, 2023 lawsuit, Attorney General Ellison alleged that IPG illegally charged thousands of tenants at numerous Minnesota apartment complexes exorbitant utility fees, and alleging in an amended complaint that IPG failed to return many tenants’ security deposits, in violation of Minnesota’s landlord-tenant laws. Under the settlement, IPG will pay $1.8 million into a restitution fund for distribution to tenants harmed by these practices.  It will also provide a $350 rent credit per household for tenants at certain properties.  Additionally, IPG will provide outstanding rent and utility debt forgiveness to former tenants, up to a cap of $3,698,372, cease any collection efforts for the debt, and instruct credit reporting companies or tenant screening companies that the debt has been satisfied. Over 4,000 Minnesota households were illegally charged for utilities by IPG and will be eligible for restitution.

“My mission is to help Minnesotans afford their lives, and it’s hard to afford your life when your landlord decides to start charging you hundreds of dollars in utilities fees with almost no warning. This resolution is a strong one for Minnesota renters who were surprised with illegal mid-lease charges they couldn’t anticipate or plan for, and who waited in vain for security deposits to be returned. I am pleased my office was able to stop illegal practices harming tenants and will be able to put hard-earned money back in tenants’ pockets. I encourage Minnesotans who believe their landlord is violating the law to share their concerns with my office.” – AG Ellison