MD CBD 180 Franklin LLC Lawsuit – Tenant Class Action over 421-a Rent Overcharges
If you rented an apartment at 180 Franklin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11205 at any time on or after October 29, 2016, you’re automatically part of a certified tenant class action. You could receive refunds for alleged rent overcharges and secure rent-stabilized lease protections. Review the official notice and decide whether to stay in or opt out before December 20, 2025.
Visit the Official Case WebsiteWho Is Eligible?
- All current and former tenants who lived at 180 Franklin Ave. on or after October 29, 2016.
- A subclass of current tenants may also obtain court-ordered injunctive relief (corrected leases at legal rents).
What the MD CBD 180 Franklin Lawsuit Alleges
Plaintiffs claim the landlord, MD CBD 180 Franklin LLC, accepted 421-a tax breaks that require every apartment to be rent stabilized. They say the landlord:
- Used rent concessions to set artificially high “legal” or preferential rents.
- Charged tenants more than the lawful rent-stabilized maximum.
- Denied tenants standard lease renewals and other rent-stabilization rights.
The defendant denies all wrongdoing and asserts multiple defenses. No money has been awarded yet; the case is pending in New York Supreme Court, Kings County.
Your Rights & Options
- Do Nothing – Stay in the Class
You’ll be bound by any future settlement or judgment. You may share in money or injunctive relief automatically. - Ask to Be Excluded (Opt Out)
Mail an exclusion request postmarked by December 20, 2025. You keep the right to sue separately—even for treble damages—but you won’t get benefits from any class-wide resolution.
Important Deadline
- December 20, 2025 – Last day to postmark an exclusion request.
How to Opt Out
- Download and complete the official Exclusion Request Form.
- Mail it via First-Class Mail to:
180 Franklin Class Action Administration,
P.O. Box 5759, Portland, OR 97228-5759.
Must be postmarked by December 20, 2025.
Key Case Documents
Class Action Notice (PDF) Court’s Certification Order (PDF) Plaintiffs’ Complaint (PDF) Defendant’s Answer (PDF)Contact Information
- Toll-Free Info Line: 1-877-730-3068 (recorded)
- Class Counsel: Newman Ferrara LLP – (212) 619-5400 or email Roger Sachar at rsachar@nfllp.com
- Mailing Address:
180 Franklin Class Action Administration
P.O. Box 5759
Portland, OR 97228-5759
Please do not contact the Court.
MD CBD 180 Franklin LLC Lawsuit – FAQ
- What is the MD CBD 180 Franklin LLC class action about?
- Tenants allege the landlord unlawfully overcharged rent while receiving 421-a tax benefits that require rent stabilization for every unit.
- Who is included in the 180 Franklin tenant class?
- Anyone who lived in the building at 180 Franklin Ave., Brooklyn, on or after Oct. 29, 2016—current or former tenants alike.
- What relief could class members receive?
- Repayment of alleged rent overcharges with interest, corrected legal regulated rents, and future rent-stabilized lease renewals.
- How do I exclude myself from the MD CBD 180 Franklin lawsuit?
- Mail the completed exclusion form by Dec. 20 2025. If you timely opt out, you retain the right to sue the landlord individually.
- Do I need to hire my own lawyer?
- No. Newman Ferrara LLP represents the class for free unless you opt out. If you opt out and sue separately, you may hire your own attorney.