HARRISBURG, PA — More than 250 Pennsylvania residents are set to receive a total of over $800,000 in restitution following a consent decree addressing unlawful “rent to own” agreements orchestrated by Vision Property Management. Attorney General Michelle Henry announced that checks have been mailed to affected consumers, marking a significant milestone in the effort to hold companies accountable for exploitative housing practices.
The restitution payments come as part of a legal resolution finalized earlier this year. Eligible consumers, who had been evicted from their homes or moved out under deceptive contracts with Vision Property Management, were contacted by the Office of Attorney General and provided with questionnaires to confirm their eligibility. Consumers who returned the required documentation are now receiving payments, while the case continues against other defendants.
This issue stems from a broader investigation into Vision Property Management’s practices in Pennsylvania. Hundreds of consumers were enticed into misleading “rent to own” housing agreements, many of which left individuals vulnerable to eviction or financial loss. While some impacted residents received deeds to their homes in compliance with court orders issued in 2021 and 2022, this restitution initiative addresses individuals who did not benefit from those legal proceedings.
“This settlement underscores the importance of protecting consumers from deceptive and illegal housing practices,” said Attorney General Henry, announcing the checks’ distribution. “We will continue pursuing justice for those impacted as we push forward with litigation against other responsible parties.”
The lawsuit remains active against Alexander and Antonio Szkaradek, the alleged leaders of the Vision Property Management scheme, as well as ACM Vision V, a subsidiary of Atalaya Capital Management, which is accused of funding these activities. The Commonwealth seeks additional restitution for victims, alongside civil penalties, to further hold these parties accountable.
The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General emphasized its commitment to ensuring accountability for facilitators of unlawful financial and housing schemes. Vision Property Management’s practices, which deceived tenants with unviable property ownership promises, have drawn widespread condemnation. Housing advocates have called the case a critical step in safeguarding consumer rights, particularly for vulnerable populations targeted by exploitative practices.
Senior Deputy Attorney General Susan Apel continues to lead the case on behalf of the state. The Attorney General’s Office encourages any other affected consumers to come forward as the litigation progresses.
This case highlights ongoing efforts to protect consumers in Pennsylvania and beyond from fraudulent business operations. By seeking both restitution and accountability, state officials aim to address past harm and deter future misconduct, reinforcing the importance of fair and transparent housing agreements.
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