Wedgewood, LLC, ("Wedgewood") purchases homes at foreclosure auctions across California for the purpose of refurbishing and reselling them, which can involve removing any existing occupants on the property before reselling, either through eviction or through "cash for keys" agreements where the occupants receive a cash payment to vacate.

Although Wedgewood may have the right to evict lawful tenants from the properties that it purchases, they are alleged to have engaged in a variety of unlawful tactics, including depriving lawful tenants of their right to continue living on the property under a preexisting lease or for at least 90 days after purchase  as provided under state and federal law; evicting tenants without just cause in  jurisdictions with just cause eviction protections; filing false declarations to support its unlawful evictions; and /or failing to provide essential utility services to tenants.

You can view the Final Judgement and Permanent Injunction complaint on the "Important Documents" page on the website.

If you received a Notice in the mail, you have been identified as a potentially affected party and could be entitled to compensation. Please contact the Settlement Administrator if you did not receive a notice and you believe you should be a part of this Settlement.

The Settlement provides for cash payments of restitution to tenants of properties that were purchased by Wedgewood if they meet certain eligibility requirements. In addition to the monetary payment, Wedgewood will substantially reform its business model to ensure that future tenants are afforded full rights and protections under federal, state and local laws, and has agreed to the following:

• Obligations upon purchase: Wedgewood will be required to make a good faith determination to any current occupants' tenancy status and whether the foreclosed property falls within the jurisdiction of a "just cause" ordinance. Wedgwood must also provide written notice to all known tenants of its determinations, and provide them with 3 days to respond before initiating eviction proceedings,
• Cash for Keys Negotiations: Wedgewood must document all "Cash For Keys" negotiations and comply with state and local laws regulating these agreements including those mandating a minimum compensation;
• Terminating Tenancy: Wedgewood must comply with all local, state and federal laws governing the eviction process, including providing written notice prior to eviction;
• Employee Training and Compliance: Wedgewood will be required to train all relevant employees on the rights of the tenants living in foreclosed properties;
• Monitoring and Reporting: Wedgewood will be required to provide regular reports to the Attorney General documenting its compliance with the injunctive provisions of this judgement; and,
• $3.5 Million Monetary Payment: Wedgewood must pay $2.75 million in restitution for unlawfully evicted tenants; $250,000 in civil penalties; and $500,000 to support programs and related activities that benefit California tenants or help combat homelessness in California.

To be able to receive your payment, you must contact the Administrator as directed in the Notice. If you are not sure about your status, or would like additional information, please contact the Administrator by phone at 1-855-208-4126 or by email at info@CaliforniaWedgewoodSettlement.com.

Payments will be provided on an ongoing basis starting in November 2024.  If you have questions about the timing of a payment, contact the Administrator by phone at 1-855-208-4126 or by email at info@CaliforniaWedgewoodSettlement.com.

Yes. However, in exchange for receiving a payment of restitution, you are agreeing that Wedgewood would be entitled to offset that restitution award against any further claim you may have against Wedgewood related to the same foreclosed property.

No. We are the official Settlement Claims Administrator selected by the Attorney General of California to manage the payments in this matter.

Address updates must be in writing and can be either mailed or emailed to the Settlement Administrator. With your request, please include your full name, previous address and current address. You may send this information by emailing info@CaliforniaWedgewoodSettlement.com or writing to California Wedgewood Settlement, c/o JND Legal Administration, P.O. Box 91349, Seattle, WA 98111.

For more information on this Judgement, you may contact the Settlement Administrator by emailing info@CaliforniaWedgewoodSettlement.com, calling toll-free at 1-855-208-4126, or writing to California Wedgewood Settlement, c/o JND Legal Administration, P.O. Box 91349, Seattle, WA 98111.

A copy of the Complaint and Judgment can be found on the "Important Documents" page of this website.

If you receive public benefits, such as Section 8 Housing, you are strongly encouraged to seek legal advice before cashing your payment.

California Rural Legal Assistance will provide free legal advice about this issue. Please contact them at (805) 486-1068 or at any of their locations in California, available at Locations | California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. (crla.org). When contacting CRLA, please let them know that you are contacting the office regarding how the DOJ settlement will affect your public benefits.  If you have any trouble reaching CRLA, please contact the Settlement Administrator for more information by emailing info@CaliforniaWedgewoodSettlement.com, calling toll-free at 1-855-208-4126

No. The California Attorney General and his staff do not provide individualized legal advice to members of the public on such matters. If you would like legal advice, please consult a private attorney or a legal aid attorney if you qualify.

If you receive public benefits, such as Section 8 Housing, you are strongly encouraged to seek legal advice before cashing your payment.

California Rural Legal Assistance will provide free legal advice about this issue. Please contact them at (805) 486-1068 or at any of their locations in California, available at Locations | California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. (crla.org). When contacting CRLA, please let them know that you are contacting the office regarding how the DOJ settlement will affect your public benefits.  If you have any trouble reaching CRLA, please contact the Settlement Administrator for more information by emailing info@CaliforniaWedgewoodSettlement.com, calling toll-free at 1-855-208-4126