Brooklyn Property Manager Settles With State Over Illegal Tenant Lockouts

A Brooklyn-based property management firm, Spigro Management, LLC, and its lead manager, Saul Friedman, have entered into a settlement with the New York Attorney General’s office following an investigation into the illegal eviction of tenants. The agreement, finalized this week, addresses incidents occurring between 2020 and 2025 across four residential buildings in Brooklyn and the Bronx.

According to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), the company frequently bypassed legal eviction proceedings by changing locks while tenants were away from their homes. Investigators noted that these actions often targeted vulnerable residents, including individuals who had recently lost a family member or employees who had filed for workers' compensation. In several instances, the company reportedly denied the residency of long-term tenants, even those who had occupied their units for decades.

One documented case involved a tenant who had lived in a Brooklyn apartment for 22 years. Following the death of his mother, the tenant was locked out while briefly stepping out to dispose of trash. Reports indicate that the company subsequently removed his personal belongings from the unit without authorization. In another instance, a building porter who had been injured on the job returned from medical treatment to find his employment terminated and his apartment locks changed.

Under the terms of the settlement, Spigro Management is required to provide restitution of up to $1,200 to each of the four affected tenants. Additionally, the firm must pay $23,500 in civil penalties to the state.

To prevent future violations, the company is mandated to establish formal internal policies regarding lock changes and maintain a comprehensive log of all such actions across its 40 managed properties. The OAG will maintain oversight of the company for the next three years, requiring the firm to report any new allegations of illegal evictions to ensure adherence to the settlement terms. Attorney General Letitia James stated that the office remains committed to holding property managers accountable for violating the privacy and safety of New York residents.