Rich Landlord in Eviction Case Sues Calif. Firm

A Japanese billionaire accused of having dilapidated homes after he tried to evict hundreds of renters in California is suing a real estate firm, claiming it mismanaged his properties.

The lawsuit filed Friday in federal court on behalf of Gensiro Kawamoto against CB Richard Ellis Inc. of Sacramento claims an unspecified amount of damages for alleged wrongful acts, including breach of contract.

Kawamoto, a reclusive businessman with investments in California and Hawaii, issued 570 eviction notices in February to tenants in Sacramento and Santa Rosa, giving them 30 days to move out. He extended the deadline to June after an intense public outcry.

He has said he plans to sell the properties to raise money for other investments. But authorities said they suspect Kawamoto may have tried to evict tenants because they complained about problems, including mold that caused bloody noses, rashes, fatigue and respiratory problems.

On April 29, Kawamoto settled a lawsuit accusing him of keeping 149 rental homes in Santa Rosa in disrepair. Under the settlement, he is required to pay the county $80,000 in legal fees, make thousands of dollars worth of repairs and offer current and some former tenants up to two months’ free rent.

CB Richard Ellis officials did not immediately return calls seeking comment.