Columbia Housing Authority $1M Class Action Settlement
Were you a tenant or household member at Allen Benedict Court during the emergency evacuation on Jan. 17-18, 2019? You could receive a cash payment from the $1 million Columbia Housing Authority class action settlement. Submit your claim by September 1, 2025 to secure your share.
Download Claim Form (PDF)Who Is Eligible?
- Automatically included: All named plaintiffs in the Basinger and Montgomery cases—no claim form required.
- Must file a claim form: Tenants listed on a written Allen Benedict Court lease as of Jan. 17-18, 2019 and their household members listed on that lease.
Excluded: Anyone who previously settled and released claims related to the evacuation or the underlying lawsuits.
Payout Details
- Total settlement fund: $1,000,000
- Attorneys’ fees: up to $250,000
- Service awards to class representatives: $2,500 each (total $5,000)
- Remaining net fund distributed equally among approved adult and minor claimants
How to File a Claim
- Download and print the claim form.
- Complete all required fields, including:
- Name, current mailing address, phone, email
- Allen Benedict Court apartment number (as of Jan. 2019)
- Names and birthdates of any minors on the lease
- Mail the form—postmarked no later than Sept. 1, 2025—to:
Basinger v. Columbia Housing Authority
c/o CPT Group Inc.
50 Corporate Park
Irvine, CA 92606-5105
If Columbia Housing Authority records are incomplete, you may be asked for proof such as a lease, ID, or other documentation showing residence at Allen Benedict Court on the relevant dates.
Key Dates
- Claim & Opt-out Deadline: Sept. 1, 2025
- Final Fairness Hearing: After Nov. 15, 2025
- Estimated Payment Mailing: ~120 days after court approval
Why Is There a Settlement?
Plaintiffs allege the Housing Authority of the City of Columbia failed to maintain safe living conditions—particularly gas appliances and furnaces—at Allen Benedict Court, leading to hazardous carbon monoxide levels, two deaths, and an emergency evacuation in January 2019. While denying liability, the Housing Authority agreed to a $1 million settlement to avoid further litigation costs and risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Columbia Housing Authority $1M Class Action Settlement about?
The settlement resolves claims that Columbia Housing Authority neglected maintenance at Allen Benedict Court, causing unsafe conditions and a mass evacuation on Jan. 17-18, 2019.
Do I need proof to join the Columbia Housing Authority settlement?
Named plaintiffs need no proof or form. Other tenants and household members must attest to residency and may need documentation if Housing Authority records are incomplete.
How much will I receive from the Columbia Housing Authority settlement?
The net fund will be divided equally among all valid claimants, so the exact per-person amount depends on the number of approved claims.
When will Columbia Housing Authority settlement checks be mailed?
Payments are expected roughly 120 days after the court grants final approval, projected for mid-2026.
Can I opt out of the Columbia Housing Authority class action?
Yes. If you prefer to pursue your own lawsuit, you must mail an opt-out request to the settlement administrator by Sept. 1, 2025.