Class action lawsuit refunds Weidner tenants

After losing a class action lawsuit over extensive late fees, one of Alaska's largest rental companies could be issuing a massive refund soon. Renters who currently or have ever lived in a Weidner rental property may qualify for the refund.

Back in May, CBS 11 News reported that anyone who had paid a late fee at a Weidner managed apartment building since 2005 is eligible to get a refund.

Months after settling a class action suit, Weidner properties is beginning the process to return overcharged late fees to any past and present tenants who paid those fees.

For one former renter, it's long overdue.

"I stayed there for two years and said well, I paid a lot of fees at that time, so I would like to have whatever the jury said

was unfair back," said Katina Walker, a former Weidner property renter.

According to Walker, she has had difficulty getting any information from her previous landlord.

"They wouldn't really give me any information, I talked to the district manager of the property, no response, or anything."

Walker says she like others, did not know she was being overcharged. But in dealing with the largest unit holder in Anchorage, she questions their practices, "I feel like they didn't really value the customers here, their tenants, because they had a lot of units and they felt like they were above the law."

Since a judge approved the settlement, thousands will begin to see their late fees returned.

"Folks will get the notice informing them of their refund and they will be allowed to approve the refund or note to the court that they object to the refund for some reason," said James Davis, a lawyer for the Northern Justice Project that put forth the lawsuit.

Those who receive the notice will have 90 days to either approve or object the settlement.

"Everybody is getting refunds 60-70 percent of the money they paid," said Davis. "Some people might say I don't want a 70 percent refund, I want a 80 percent refund, I want a

100 percent refund, I shouldn't have paid any late fee at all, if they say that, a court is going to hear them and will decide whether or not their objections were founded."

While Walker is happy to receive her refund, she says the knowledge she has gained is much more valuable, "I think that once this investigation links out, people will rethink or rewrite their contracts or lease agreements."

Current and former Weidner tenants who are owed refunds should receive paperwork in about 30 days informing them of their legal rights. If no longer living in a Weidner property, it is important that recipients make sure a current address is on file. For those who don't receive the paperwork within 30 days, call the Northern Justice Project at 264-6634.

According to the Northern Justice Project, refunds should be expected sometime after Christmas.

To contact the Newsroom, call 907-274-1111.