Case: Louis v. SafeRent Solutions, LLC

1:22-cv-10800 | U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts

Filed Date: May 25, 2022

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This case pertains to a tenant-screening algorithm that allegedly reinforced racial and economic discrimination in rental housing access.  On May 25, 2022, the plaintiffs—two Black women who held federally funded housing vouchers—filed this class action lawsuit against SafeRent Solutions, LLC, a tenant-screening company, and Metropolitan Management Group, LLC, a property manager that used SafeRent’s screening services. The Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS), a nonprofit that assists l…

This case pertains to a tenant-screening algorithm that allegedly reinforced racial and economic discrimination in rental housing access. 

On May 25, 2022, the plaintiffs—two Black women who held federally funded housing vouchers—filed this class action lawsuit against SafeRent Solutions, LLC, a tenant-screening company, and Metropolitan Management Group, LLC, a property manager that used SafeRent’s screening services. The Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS), a nonprofit that assists low-income renters, joined as an organizational plaintiff. Represented by the National Consumer Law Center, plaintiffs brought this suit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, where it was assigned to District Judge Angel Kelley.

The plaintiffs alleged that SafeRent’s scoring algorithm had a disproportionately negative effect on Black, Hispanic, and low-income housing voucher holders in violation of the federal Fair Housing Act and Massachusetts civil rights laws. Accordingly, the plaintiffs filed this suit not just on behalf of themselves, but on behalf of two classes:

  1. All rental applicants who used publicly funded housing vouchers and sought but were denied housing in Massachusetts because of their SafeRent Score at any property using SafeRent’s tenant screening services.
  2. All Black and Hispanic rental applicants who used publicly funded housing vouchers and sought but were denied housing in Massachusetts because of their SafeRent Score at any property using SafeRent’s tenant screening services.

The plaintiffs sought compensatory damages on behalf of themselves and the class(es), and sought for the court to order the defendants to discontinue using discriminatory tenant-screening.

At the center of the case was SafeRent’s “Registry ScorePLUS” algorithm, which produced a “SafeRent Score” (ranging from 200 to 800) that housing providers used to determine rental eligibility. The algorithm relies heavily on credit history and eviction data, but failed to consider housing voucher subsidies—even though vouchers guarantee that the majority of rent is paid directly by a public agency. As a result, voucher holders, particularly Black and Hispanic applicants, tended to receive lower scores and face disproportionately higher rejection rates.

On August 26, 2022, plaintiffs filed an amended complaint adding claims under the Massachusetts consumer protection statute and clarifying class allegations. SafeRent and Metropolitan then moved to dismiss the plaintiffs’ claims. SafeRent argued that it was not subject to the Fair Housing Act and that the plaintiffs lacked standing; both defendants also contested whether the plaintiffs had adequately alleged discriminatory effects under a disparate impact theory.

On July 26, 2023, the court granted in part and denied in part the motions to dismiss. It denied Metropolitan’s motion in full, allowing all claims against it to proceed. As to SafeRent, the court rejected SafeRent’s argument that it was not subject to the Fair Housing Act and held that the plaintiffs’ disparate impact allegations were sufficient to proceed under both federal and state law. However, the court dismissed the plaintiffs’ claims under the Massachusetts consumer protection statute, finding that SafeRent’s conduct did not occur in “trade or commerce,” as defined by the statute. 685 F.Supp.3d 19.

After several more months of litigating, the parties entered settlement negotiations. On March 28, 2024, the parties executed a class action settlement agreement resolving all claims against SafeRent and Metropolitan (at this point, SafeRent was the primary defendant). The court preliminarily approved the settlement the following month.

Under the terms of the agreement, SafeRent agreed to pay up to $2.275 million in total settlement compensation. That sum includes up to $1.175 million for cash payments to eligible class members, as well as attorneys’ fees, costs, and administrative expenses. Eligible class members included (1) all Massachusetts housing voucher recipients who were denied housing based on their SafeRent Score between May 25, 2021 and the date of preliminary approval, and (2) all Black and Hispanic voucher-holders similarly denied between May 25, 2020 and the same date.

The settlement also included prospective relief. SafeRent agreed to modify its screening practices for at least five years. For applicants using publicly funded housing vouchers, SafeRent agreed to no longer issue “approve” or “decline” recommendations based on its scoring model unless civil rights experts have validated the model for fairness. Otherwise, SafeRent agreed to provide landlords only with background information, not scores or automatic decisions. SafeRent also agreed to train its clients to understand the differences between its various scoring models and their limitations when used to screen voucher-holders. Under the settlement, the court would retain jurisdiction for five years for enforcement purposes.

On November 20, 2024, the court granted final approval of the settlement. In a separate order that same day, the court awarded attorneys’ fees and costs totaling $1,100,000, to be paid by SafeRent, and approved $10,000 service awards for each of the two named plaintiffs.

There have been no further developments as of May 2025, and the settlement is presumably still in force.

Summary Authors

Gordon Pignato (5/9/2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/63335697/parties/louis-v-saferent-solutions-llc/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Corman, Brian C. (Massachusetts)

Gerleman, Samantha N. (Massachusetts)

Attorney for Defendant

Capuano, Marc P. (Massachusetts)

Grossman, Rachel Ellen (Massachusetts)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Dumais, Ryan P (Massachusetts)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case
1

1:22-cv-10800

Complaint

May 25, 2022

May 25, 2022

Complaint
15

1:22-cv-10800

Amended Complaint

Aug. 26, 2022

Aug. 26, 2022

Complaint
64

1:22-cv-10800

Memorandum and Order on Defendants' Motions to Dismiss

July 26, 2023

July 26, 2023

Order/Opinion

685 F.Supp.3d 19

114-1

1:22-cv-10800

Exhibit 1

March 28, 2024

March 28, 2024

Pleading / Motion / Brief
122

1:22-cv-10800

Order Certifying the Classes for Settlement Purposes and Directing Notice of Settlement to the Classes

Louis v. Saferent Solutions, LLC

April 25, 2024

April 25, 2024

Order/Opinion
135

1:22-cv-10800

Final Approval Order

Nov. 20, 2024

Nov. 20, 2024

Order/Opinion
136

1:22-cv-10800

Order Granting Plaintiffs' Motion for Attorneys' Fees and Costs

Nov. 20, 2024

Nov. 20, 2024

Order/Opinion

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/63335697/louis-v-saferent-solutions-llc/

Last updated June 30, 2026, 6:55 a.m.

Docket for: Louis v. SAFERENT SOLUTIONS, LLC
ECF Number Date Description Link
1 May 25, 2022

COMPLAINT against All Defendants Filing fee: $ 402, receipt number AMADC-9338109 (Fee Status: Filing Fee paid), filed by Mary Nancy Louis. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Category Form)(Kaplan, Todd) (Entered: 05/25/2022)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

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2 Category Form

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Clearinghouse
2 May 25, 2022

ELECTRONIC NOTICE of Case Assignment. District Judge Angel Kelley assigned to case. If the trial Judge issues an Order of Reference of any matter in this case to a Magistrate Judge, the matter will be transmitted to Magistrate Judge M. Page Kelley. (Finn, Mary) (Entered: 05/25/2022)

RECAP
3 May 25, 2022

Summons Issued as to Metropolitan Management Group, LLC, SAFERENT SOLUTIONS, LLC. Counsel receiving this notice electronically should download this summons, complete one for each defendant and serve it in accordance with Fed.R.Civ.P. 4 and LR 4.1. Summons will be mailed to plaintiff(s) not receiving notice electronically for completion of service. (Pacho, Arnold) (Entered: 05/25/2022)

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4 May 25, 2022

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Christine E. Webber Filing fee: $ 100, receipt number AMADC-9338789 by Mary Nancy Louis. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Christine E. Webber)(Kaplan, Todd) (Entered: 05/25/2022)

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5 May 25, 2022

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Samantha N. Gerleman Filing fee: $ 100, receipt number AMADC-9338861 by Mary Nancy Louis. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Samantha N. Gerleman)(Kaplan, Todd) (Entered: 05/25/2022)

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May 25, 2022

Notice of Case Assignment

6 May 31, 2022

District Judge Angel Kelley: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 4 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Added Christine E. Webber. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. To register for a PACER account, go the Pacer website at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/register-account.Pro Hac Vice Admission Request Instructions https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-pro-hac-vice.htm.A Notice of Appearance must be entered on the docket by the newly admitted attorney. (Pacho, Arnold) (Entered: 05/31/2022)

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7 May 31, 2022

District Judge Angel Kelley: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 5 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Added Samantha N. Gerleman. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. To register for a PACER account, go the Pacer website at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/register-account.Pro Hac Vice Admission Request Instructions https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-pro-hac-vice.htm.A Notice of Appearance must be entered on the docket by the newly admitted attorney. (Pacho, Arnold) (Entered: 05/31/2022)

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May 31, 2022

Order on Motion for Leave to Appear

8 June 3, 2022

NOTICE of Appearance by Christine E. Webber on behalf of Community Action Agency of Somerville, Inc., Monica Douglas, Mary Nancy Louis (Webber, Christine) (Entered: 06/03/2022)

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9 June 3, 2022

NOTICE of Appearance by Samantha N. Gerleman on behalf of Community Action Agency of Somerville, Inc., Monica Douglas, Mary Nancy Louis (Gerleman, Samantha) (Entered: 06/03/2022)

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10 July 13, 2022

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Monica Douglas, Community Action Agency of Somerville, Inc., Mary Nancy Louis. SAFERENT SOLUTIONS, LLC waiver sent on 7/6/2022, answer due 9/6/2022. (Gerleman, Samantha) (Entered: 07/13/2022)

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11 Aug. 25, 2022

NOTICE of Appearance by Jeffrey Huberman on behalf of SAFERENT SOLUTIONS, LLC (Huberman, Jeffrey) (Entered: 08/25/2022)

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12 Aug. 25, 2022

CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT by SAFERENT SOLUTIONS, LLC identifying Corporate Parent Resident Research, LLC for SAFERENT SOLUTIONS, LLC.. (Huberman, Jeffrey) (Entered: 08/25/2022)

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13 Aug. 25, 2022

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Andrew Soukup Filing fee: $ 100, receipt number AMADC-9469306 by SAFERENT SOLUTIONS, LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Certification of Andrew Soukup)(Huberman, Jeffrey) (Entered: 08/25/2022)

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14 Aug. 25, 2022

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Robert Long Filing fee: $ 100, receipt number AMADC-9469346 by SAFERENT SOLUTIONS, LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Certification of Robert Long)(Huberman, Jeffrey) (Entered: 08/25/2022)

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15 Aug. 26, 2022

AMENDED COMPLAINT against All Plaintiffs, filed by Monica Douglas, Community Action Agency of Somerville, Inc., Mary Nancy Louis. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Service)(Kaplan, Todd) (Entered: 08/26/2022)

1 Certificate of Service

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Clearinghouse
16 Sept. 2, 2022

AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE Executed by Monica Douglas, Community Action Agency of Somerville, Inc., Mary Nancy Louis. Metropolitan Management Group, LLC served on 8/30/2022, answer due 9/20/2022. Acknowledgement filed by Monica Douglas; Community Action Agency of Somerville, Inc.; Mary Nancy Louis. (Gerleman, Samantha) (Entered: 09/02/2022)

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17 Sept. 7, 2022

Joint MOTION for Order to Set Briefing Schedule and Approve Excess Pages by SAFERENT SOLUTIONS, LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Huberman, Jeffrey) (Entered: 09/07/2022)

1 Text of Proposed Order

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18 Sept. 8, 2022

District Judge Angel Kelley: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered. The 17 joint motion is GRANTED with the following modifications. Defendant Saferent Solutions' responsive pleadings are due October 3, 2022. Plaintiffs' opposition is due October 31, 2022. Both parties may file memorandums not to exceed 24 pages. (McManus, Caetlin) (Entered: 09/08/2022)

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Sept. 8, 2022

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to Answer

19 Sept. 14, 2022

District Judge Angel Kelley: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 13 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Andrew Soukup. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual upgraded PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. Counsel may need to link their CM/ECF account to their upgraded individual pacer account. Instructions on how to link CM/ECF accounts to upgraded pacer account can be found at https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-current-pacer-accounts.htm#link-account. (Kelly, Danielle) (Entered: 09/14/2022)

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20 Sept. 14, 2022

District Judge Angel Kelley: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 14 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Robert Long. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. To register for a PACER account, go the Pacer website at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/register-account.Pro Hac Vice Admission Request Instructions https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-pro-hac-vice.htm.A Notice of Appearance must be entered on the docket by the newly admitted attorney. (Kelly, Danielle) (Entered: 09/14/2022)

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Sept. 14, 2022

Order on Motion for Leave to Appear

21 Sept. 16, 2022

STIPULATION Extending Deadline for Defendant Metropolitan Management Group, LLC to Respond to Amended Complaint by Metropolitan Management Group, LLC. (Wintner, Thomas) (Entered: 09/16/2022)

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22 Sept. 16, 2022

CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT by Metropolitan Management Group, LLC. (Wintner, Thomas) (Entered: 09/16/2022)

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23 Sept. 16, 2022

NOTICE of Appearance by Thomas H. Wintner on behalf of Metropolitan Management Group, LLC (Wintner, Thomas) (Entered: 09/16/2022)

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24 Sept. 16, 2022

NOTICE of Appearance by Robert Allen Long, Jr on behalf of SAFERENT SOLUTIONS, LLC (Long, Robert) (Entered: 09/16/2022)

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25 Sept. 19, 2022

District Judge Angel Kelley: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered APPROVING re 21 Stipulation filed by Metropolitan Management Group, LLC. Answer due October 27, 2022 as to Metropolitan Management Group, LLC only. (Lara, Miguel) (Entered: 09/19/2022)

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Sept. 19, 2022

Order

26 Sept. 30, 2022

STIPULATION (Joint) to Extend Deadline for Defendant SafeRent to Respond to the Amended Complaint by SAFERENT SOLUTIONS, LLC. (Huberman, Jeffrey) (Entered: 09/30/2022)

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27 Oct. 3, 2022

District Judge Angel Kelley: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered. The Court is in receipt of the parties' 26 stipulation extending the deadline for Defendant SafeRent to respond to the amended complaint. The Court will extend the deadline for Defendant SafeRent’s responsive pleadings until October 27, 2022. Moving forward, the parties shall be mindful that any extensions for filings before this Court must be made by motion to the Court, and not by stipulation of the parties. (Pacho, Arnold) (Entered: 10/03/2022)

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Oct. 3, 2022

Order

28 Oct. 27, 2022

NOTICE of Appearance by Michael A. Pollack on behalf of Metropolitan Management Group, LLC (Pollack, Michael) (Entered: 10/27/2022)

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29 Oct. 27, 2022

MOTION to Dismiss The Amended Complaint by Metropolitan Management Group, LLC.(Wintner, Thomas) (Entered: 10/27/2022)

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30 Oct. 27, 2022

MEMORANDUM in Support re 29 MOTION to Dismiss The Amended Complaint filed by Metropolitan Management Group, LLC. (Wintner, Thomas) (Entered: 10/27/2022)

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31 Oct. 27, 2022

MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM AND LACK OF JURISDICTION by SAFERENT SOLUTIONS, LLC.(Huberman, Jeffrey) (Entered: 10/27/2022)

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32 Oct. 27, 2022

MEMORANDUM in Support re 31 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM AND LACK OF JURISDICTION filed by SAFERENT SOLUTIONS, LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Huberman, Jeffrey) (Entered: 10/27/2022)

1 Exhibit A

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33 Nov. 1, 2022

NOTICE of Appearance by Stuart T. Rossman on behalf of Community Action Agency of Somerville, Inc., Monica Douglas, Mary Nancy Louis (Rossman, Stuart) (Entered: 11/01/2022)

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34 Nov. 6, 2022

Joint MOTION for Extension of Time to December 19, 2022 to File a combined 35-page memorandum in opposition to Defendants motions to dismiss and Allow Defendants SafeRent and Metropolitan each permission to file on January 27, 2023, reply memoranda not to exceed 15 pages. by Community Action Agency of Somerville, Inc., Monica Douglas, Mary Nancy Louis. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Kaplan, Todd) (Entered: 11/06/2022)

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35 Nov. 8, 2022

District Judge Angel Kelley: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered. The parties' 34 joint motion for extension of time is GRANTED. The plaintiffs shall file a combined 35-page memorandum in response to the defendants' 29 31 motion to dismiss no later than December 19, 2022. The defendants shall file their reply briefs, not to exceed 15 pages each, no later than January 27, 2023. (Pacho, Arnold) (Entered: 11/08/2022)

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Nov. 8, 2022

Order on Motion for Extension of Time

36 Dec. 19, 2022

Opposition re 29 MOTION to Dismiss The Amended Complaint, 31 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM AND LACK OF JURISDICTION filed by Community Action Agency of Somerville, Inc., Monica Douglas, Mary Nancy Louis. (Webber, Christine) (Entered: 12/19/2022)

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37 Jan. 9, 2023

AMICUS BRIEF filed by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Statement of Interest. (Flagg, Kinara) (Entered: 01/09/2023)

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38 Jan. 13, 2023

MOTION for Extension of Time to February 17, 2023 to File Replies in Support of Motions to Dismiss (Unopposed), MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages (Unopposed) ( Responses due by 1/27/2023) by Metropolitan Management Group, LLC, SAFERENT SOLUTIONS, LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Huberman, Jeffrey) (Entered: 01/13/2023)

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39 Jan. 18, 2023

District Judge Angel Kelley: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered. Defendants’ 38 motion to extend the deadline and page limits for Defendants’ replies in support of their motions to dismiss is GRANTED IN PART and DENIED IN PART. Defendants’ replies are due by February 17, 2023. Defendants may respond to the statement of interest recently filed by the United States [see Dkt. 37], but they must do so within the 15-page replies previously allowed by the Court [see Dkt. 35]. (Lara, Miguel) (Entered: 01/18/2023)

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Jan. 18, 2023

Order on Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages AND Order on Motion for Extension of Time

40 Feb. 2, 2023

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Jessica Merry Samuels Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-9699690 by SAFERENT SOLUTIONS, LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Certification of Jessica Merry Samuels)(Huberman, Jeffrey) (Entered: 02/02/2023)

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41 Feb. 16, 2023

MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Brief by The Consumer Data Industry Association.(Dumais, Ryan) (Entered: 02/16/2023)

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42 Feb. 16, 2023

CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT by The Consumer Data Industry Association. (Dumais, Ryan) (Entered: 02/16/2023)

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43 Feb. 16, 2023

NOTICE of Appearance by Mathilda McGee-Tubb on behalf of Metropolitan Management Group, LLC (McGee-Tubb, Mathilda) (Entered: 02/16/2023)

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44 Feb. 16, 2023

AMICUS BRIEF filed by The Consumer Data Industry Association . (Dumais, Ryan) (Entered: 02/16/2023)

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45 Feb. 17, 2023

RESPONSE to Motion re 41 MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Brief filed by Community Action Agency of Somerville, Inc., Monica Douglas, Mary Nancy Louis. (Webber, Christine) (Entered: 02/17/2023)

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46 Feb. 17, 2023

REPLY to Response to 29 MOTION to Dismiss The Amended Complaint filed by Metropolitan Management Group, LLC. (Wintner, Thomas) (Entered: 02/17/2023)

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47 Feb. 17, 2023

REPLY to Response to 31 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM AND LACK OF JURISDICTION filed by SAFERENT SOLUTIONS, LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - HUD Handbook 4350.3, # 2 Exhibit 2 - HCV Guidebook, # 3 Exhibit 3 - General FAQ, # 4 Exhibit 4 - FHEO Guidance, # 5 Exhibit 5 - PHA Examples, # 6 Exhibit 6 - Metro Housing Boston)(Huberman, Jeffrey) (Entered: 02/17/2023)

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48 Feb. 21, 2023

District Judge Angel Kelley: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 40 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Added Jessica Merry Samuels. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. To register for a PACER account, go the Pacer website at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/register-account. You must put the docket number on your form when registering or it will be rejected.Pro Hac Vice Admission Request Instructions https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-pro-hac-vice.htm.A Notice of Appearance must be entered on the docket by the newly admitted attorney. (Pacho, Arnold) (Entered: 02/21/2023)

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Feb. 21, 2023

Order on Motion for Leave to Appear

49 Feb. 22, 2023

District Judge Angel Kelley: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered. The Consumer Data Industry Association’s 41 motion for leave to file an amicus brief is GRANTED. The Consumer Data Industry Association appears to have already filed the amicus brief at issue. [Dkt. 44]. The Court reminds all private parties that such papers may not be filed unless and until the Court gives leave to do so. Plaintiffs may file a response to the Consumer Data Industry Association’s amicus brief, not to exceed 10 pages, by March 8, 2023. The Court is unlikely to allow further amicus brief filings. (Pacho, Arnold) (Entered: 02/22/2023)

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Feb. 22, 2023

Order on Motion for Leave to File Document

50 Feb. 24, 2023

NOTICE of Appearance by Jessica Merry Samuels on behalf of SAFERENT SOLUTIONS, LLC (Samuels, Jessica) (Entered: 02/24/2023)

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51 March 8, 2023

SUR-REPLY to Motion re 31 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM AND LACK OF JURISDICTION filed by Community Action Agency of Somerville, Inc., Monica Douglas, Mary Nancy Louis. (Webber, Christine) (Entered: 03/08/2023)

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52 March 28, 2023

MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney by Community Action Agency of Somerville, Inc., Monica Douglas, Mary Nancy Louis.(Gerleman, Samantha) (Entered: 03/28/2023)

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53 March 29, 2023

District Judge Angel Kelley: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 52 Motion to Withdraw as Attorney. Attorney Samantha N. Gerleman terminated. (Lara, Miguel) (Entered: 03/29/2023)

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March 29, 2023

Order on Motion to Withdraw as Attorney

54 June 6, 2023

ELECTRONIC NOTICE Setting Hearing on 31 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM AND LACK OF JURISDICTION, 29 MOTION to Dismiss The Amended Complaint : Motion Hearing set for 7/7/2023 11:00 AM in Courtroom 8 (In person only) before District Judge Angel Kelley. (Lara, Miguel) (Entered: 06/06/2023)

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June 6, 2023

Notice Setting or Resetting Hearing on Motion

55 June 23, 2023

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Brian C. Corman Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-9917078 by Community Action Agency of Somerville, Inc., Monica Douglas, Mary Nancy Louis. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Kaplan, Todd) (Entered: 06/23/2023)

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56 June 27, 2023

NOTICE of Appearance by Brian C. Corman on behalf of Community Action Agency of Somerville, Inc., Monica Douglas, Mary Nancy Louis (Corman, Brian) (Entered: 06/27/2023)

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57 June 28, 2023

District Judge Angel Kelley: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 55 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Added Brian C. Corman. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual upgraded PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. Counsel may need to link their CM/ECF account to their upgraded individual pacer account. Instructions on how to link CM/ECF accounts to upgraded pacer account can be found at https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-current-pacer-accounts.htm#link-account. (Pacho, Arnold) (Entered: 06/28/2023)

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June 28, 2023

Order on Motion for Leave to Appear

58 July 7, 2023

Electronic Clerk's Notes for proceedings held before District Judge Angel Kelley: Motion Hearing held on 7/7/2023 re 31 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM AND LACK OF JURISDICTION, 29 MOTION to Dismiss The Amended Complaint : Case called. Oral argument heard on the above-referenced motions. Matters taken under advisement. (Court Reporter: Linda Walsh at lwalshsteno@gmail.com.)(Attorneys present: Christine E. Webber, Todd S. Kaplan, Stuart T. Rossman, and Brian C. Corman for Plaintifs; Andrew Soukup for Saferent; Thomas H. Wintner and Mathilda McGee-Tubb for Metropolitan) (Lara, Miguel) (Entered: 07/07/2023)

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July 7, 2023

Motion Hearing

59 July 21, 2023

Transcript of Motion Hearing held on July 7, 2023, before Judge Angel Kelley. The Transcript may be purchased through the Court Reporter, viewed at the public terminal, or viewed through PACER after it is released. Court Reporter Name and Contact Information: Linda Walsh at lwalshsteno@gmail.com. Redaction Request due 8/11/2023. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 8/21/2023. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 10/19/2023. (McDonagh, Christina) (Entered: 07/21/2023)

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60 July 21, 2023

NOTICE is hereby given that an official transcript of a proceeding has been filed by the court reporter in the above-captioned matter. Counsel are referred to the Court's Transcript Redaction Policy, available on the court website at https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/transcripts.htm (McDonagh, Christina) (Entered: 07/21/2023)

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61 July 21, 2023

MOTION for Leave to File Notice of Supplemental Authority (Unopposed) by SAFERENT SOLUTIONS, LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1)(Huberman, Jeffrey) (Entered: 07/21/2023)

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July 21, 2023

Notice of Filing of Official Transcript

62 July 24, 2023

District Judge Angel Kelley: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered. The Court GRANTS Defendant SafeRent Solutions’ 61 motion for leave to file notice of supplemental authority, and DENIES the parties’ request to file supplemental briefing. (Pacho, Arnold) (Entered: 07/24/2023)

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63 July 24, 2023

Notice of Supplemental Authorities re 31 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM AND LACK OF JURISDICTION (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1)(Huberman, Jeffrey) (Entered: 07/24/2023)

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July 24, 2023

Order on Motion for Leave to File Document

64 July 26, 2023

District Judge Angel Kelley: MEMORANDUM AND ORDER entered. For the reasons explained in the attached memorandum, Metropolitan’s motion to dismiss [Dkt. 29] is DENIED and SafeRent’s motion to dismiss [Dkt. 31] is GRANTED IN PART and DENIED IN PART. Plaintiffs’ Chapter 93A claims against SafeRent, Counts VII and VIII, are DISMISSED. Responsive pleadings are due within 14 days of this Order. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(a)(4)(A). (Pacho, Arnold) (Entered: 07/26/2023)

Clearinghouse
65 July 27, 2023

NOTICE of Scheduling Conference:The parties are directed to consult and submit an agreed-upon pretrial schedule, as per the attached sample, no later than 7 days before the Scheduling Conference. If the Court finds parties' proposed deadlines reasonable or requires only minor adjustments, it may enter a scheduling order in lieu of holding the scheduling conference. Otherwise, Scheduling Conference set for 8/29/2023 11:00 AM in Courtroom 8 (In person only) before District Judge Angel Kelley.Should the parties wish to appear by video conference and all parties assent to such change, they may reach out to the Courtroom Deputy Clerk to modify the hearing no later than two business days prior to the scheduled hearing.(Lara, Miguel) (Entered: 07/27/2023)

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66 Aug. 1, 2023

MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney by SAFERENT SOLUTIONS, LLC.(Samuels, Jessica) (Entered: 08/01/2023)

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67 Aug. 2, 2023

District Judge Angel Kelley: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 66 Motion to Withdraw as Attorney. Attorney Jessica Merry Samuels terminated. (Pacho, Arnold) (Entered: 08/02/2023)

RECAP
Aug. 2, 2023

Order on Motion to Withdraw as Attorney

68 Aug. 3, 2023

NOTICE of Appearance by Shennan A. Kavanagh on behalf of Community Action Agency of Somerville, Inc., Monica Douglas, Mary Nancy Louis (Kavanagh, Shennan) (Entered: 08/03/2023)

RECAP
69 Aug. 7, 2023

MOTION for Extension of Time to 08/16/2023 to File Answer re 15 Amended Complaint (Unopposed) by SAFERENT SOLUTIONS, LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Huberman, Jeffrey) (Entered: 08/07/2023)

RECAP
70 Aug. 8, 2023

District Judge Angel Kelley: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 69 MOTION for Extension of Time to 08/16/2023 to File Answer re 15 Amended Complaint. (Pacho, Arnold) (Entered: 08/08/2023)

RECAP
Aug. 8, 2023

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to Answer

71 Aug. 14, 2023

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Marc Capuano Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-9991880 by SAFERENT SOLUTIONS, LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Huberman, Jeffrey) (Entered: 08/14/2023)

RECAP
72 Aug. 14, 2023

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Rachel Grossman Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-9991900 by SAFERENT SOLUTIONS, LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Huberman, Jeffrey) (Entered: 08/14/2023)

RECAP
73 Aug. 14, 2023

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Lelia A. Ledain Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-9991911 by SAFERENT SOLUTIONS, LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Huberman, Jeffrey) (Entered: 08/14/2023)

RECAP
74 Aug. 15, 2023

District Judge Angel Kelley: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 71 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. If an opposition is filed within 14 days, the Court will reconsider this Order. Added Marc Capuano. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. To register for a PACER account, go the Pacer website at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/register-account. You must put the docket number on your form when registering or it will be rejected.Pro Hac Vice Admission Request Instructions https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-pro-hac-vice.htm.A Notice of Appearance must be entered on the docket by the newly admitted attorney. (Pacho, Arnold) (Entered: 08/15/2023)

RECAP
75 Aug. 15, 2023

District Judge Angel Kelley: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 72 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. If an opposition is filed within 14 days, the Court will reconsider this Order. Added Rachel Grossman. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. To register for a PACER account, go the Pacer website at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/register-account. You must put the docket number on your form when registering or it will be rejected.Pro Hac Vice Admission Request Instructions https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-pro-hac-vice.htm.A Notice of Appearance must be entered on the docket by the newly admitted attorney. (Pacho, Arnold) (Entered: 08/15/2023)

RECAP
76 Aug. 15, 2023

District Judge Angel Kelley: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 73 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. If an opposition is filed within 14 days, the Court will reconsider this Order. Added Lelia A. Ledain. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. To register for a PACER account, go the Pacer website at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/register-account. You must put the docket number on your form when registering or it will be rejected.Pro Hac Vice Admission Request Instructions https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-pro-hac-vice.htm.A Notice of Appearance must be entered on the docket by the newly admitted attorney. (Pacho, Arnold) (Entered: 08/15/2023)

RECAP
Aug. 15, 2023

Order on Motion for Leave to Appear

77 Aug. 16, 2023

NOTICE of Appearance by Rachel Ellen Grossman on behalf of SAFERENT SOLUTIONS, LLC (Grossman, Rachel) (Entered: 08/16/2023)

RECAP
78 Aug. 16, 2023

NOTICE of Appearance by Marc P. Capuano on behalf of SAFERENT SOLUTIONS, LLC (Capuano, Marc) (Entered: 08/16/2023)

RECAP
79 Aug. 16, 2023

NOTICE of Appearance by Lelia A. Ledain on behalf of SAFERENT SOLUTIONS, LLC (Ledain, Lelia) (Entered: 08/16/2023)

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80 Aug. 16, 2023

ANSWER to Complaint Amended Complaint 15 by SAFERENT SOLUTIONS, LLC.(Huberman, Jeffrey) (Entered: 08/16/2023)

RECAP
81 Aug. 18, 2023

NOTICE of Appearance by Mark C. Preiss on behalf of Metropolitan Management Group, LLC (Preiss, Mark) (Entered: 08/18/2023)

RECAP

Case Details

State / Territory:

Massachusetts

Case Type(s):

Fair Housing/Lending/Insurance

Key Dates

Filing Date: May 25, 2022

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

All rental applicants who used publicly funded housing vouchers and sought but were denied housing in Massachusetts because of their SafeRent Score at any property using SafeRent’s tenant screening services.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Granted

Defendants

Private Entity/Person

Metropolitan Management Group, LLC

SafeRent Solutions, LLC

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Fair Housing Act/Fair Housing Amendments Act (FHAA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 3601 et seq.

State Anti-Discrimination Law

State law

Other Dockets:

District of Massachusetts 1:22-cv-10800

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Monetary Relief

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff OR Mixed

Relief Granted:

Attorneys fees

Damages

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Court Approved Settlement or Consent Decree

Amount Defendant Pays: $2,275,000.00

Issues

General/Misc.:

Housing

Housing assistance

Racial profiling

Discrimination Area:

Disparate Impact

Housing Sales/Rental

Discrimination Basis:

National origin discrimination

Race discrimination

Affected National Origin/Ethnicity(s):

Hispanic

Affected Race(s):

Black

Recommended Citation