City Settles with Tenant Accused of "Bizarre and Harassing Behavior"

By Jorge Casuso

December 13, 2018 -- A Santa Monica tenant who engaged in "bizarre and harassing behavior" to force subtenants to "flee" her apartment has reached a final settlement with the City, the City Attorney's office announced Thursday.

The lawsuit filed in Santa Monica Superior Court earlier this year accuses Patricia Anglano of "harassing multiple sub-tenants and potential renters and taking money from them under false pretenses," officials said.

The lawsuit alleged that Anglano "engaged in an elaborate scam" against more than ten people who responded to online ads for a room for rent, according to officials with the City’s Consumer Protection Division.

"Anglano first extracted money from applicants for the room, and then, once their checks were deposited, subjected them to bizarre and harassing behavior designed to make them flee the apartment –- or never move in at all," officials said.

Anglano's behavior included "threatening applicants with bodily harm,
making false accusations to the police and the applicants’ employers (and) invading applicants’ privacy," officials said.

She also was accused of "taking away use of the kitchen, living area, or other amenities, warning applicants not to tell anyone about the rental (and) demanding that applicants immediately vacate the apartment."

Under the settlement, Anglano is barred from advertising or renting a rental unit, room or residential space in the city.

Anglano also is barred from receiving any money for such rentals.

The case was filed under the City’s Tenant Harassment law, which is usually used to prosecute landlords engaged in unlawful behavior against tenants.

“This is a fair settlement,” said Santa Monica Chief Deputy City Attorney Adam Radinsky who heads the Consumer Protection Division.

“Our first job is always to protect the public from unfair and unlawful behavior. This Judgment against Patricia Anglano serves that purpose.”

To report a consumer issue, visit smconsumer.org or call 310-458-8336.