As someone with firsthand experience in a Westdale Asset Management-controlled property — and a background in asset-backed operations — I feel an obligation to warn fellow sponsors, LPs, and institutional investors: Westdale’s property management practices are exposing capital partners to serious legal, operational, and reputational risk.
This isn’t about bad customer service. It’s about demonstrable mismanagement, statutory violations, deceptive marketing practices, and an internal culture that invites liability.
1. Documented Negligence and Retaliation
In 2023, Westdale made headlines for wrongfully evicting a tenant named Johnny Abney in Dallas. They entered the wrong unit, cleared out his belongings, threw them in a dumpster, and locked him out of his home — all without cause. When their mistake came to light, Westdale allegedly retaliated by filing a false police report accusing him of counterfeiting. The charges were dropped, but the story went public (FOX4 News, The Real Deal). There was no apology or accountability.
This isn’t an isolated error. It reflects fundamental operational failure and poor internal controls.
2. Firsthand: Habitability Issues and Legal Exposure
At Dominion Post Oak (a Westdale-managed property in Houston), I personally experienced the following:
• A preemptive water shutoff to the entire property, done without an emergency or repair order. This is a violation of Texas Property Code §92.008(f), which allows for recovery of statutory damages, one month’s rent + $1,000, actual damages, attorney’s fees — per unit.
• Retaliation for raising concerns, including a baseless lease violation and a tow threat against my spouse’s vehicle — likely in violation of Texas Property Code §92.331, which prohibits landlord retaliation.
• Fraudulent inducement: I was explicitly told the building had working gated access, 24/7 security, and responsive maintenance. In practice, the gate was frequently left open for weeks, security was inconsistent, and maintenance issues were ignored. In my view, this constitutes material misrepresentation, and if proven, may pierce corporate protections and result in personal liability for decision-makers.
• Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA) violations: If the fraud or misrepresentation was knowing — and we have evidence to support that — Westdale could face treble damages under Texas law.
3. Class Action Lawsuit in Progress
I am currently working with legal counsel to initiate a class action lawsuit against Westdale. The claims under consideration include:
• Violation of Texas Property Code §§ 92.008(f) and 92.331
• Breach of the warranty of habitability
• Fraudulent inducement
• DTPA violations
• Negligent misrepresentation
• Retaliation
This will not be a one-off complaint. If successful, it may expand across multiple Westdale assets.
4. For Sponsors, GPs, and Capital Partners
If Westdale is acting as your co-sponsor, GP, or property manager, you need to evaluate the risk:
• How do you justify working with an operator that has documented habitability violations and public retaliation incidents?
• What’s your exposure if this class action expands?
• What happens to your brand, your NOI, your retention, and your exit strategy when this becomes searchable on every property they touch?
This is not just a management problem. It’s a stewardship problem. There is a fiduciary breakdown happening here — and as someone who’s been on the receiving end of it, I can say with confidence that Westdale is not operating with the care or accountability required to manage investor capital.
If you’re tied to Westdale in any way — as an LP, co-sponsor, or fund — I recommend you conduct a full legal and reputational audit before continuing the relationship. The risk is not theoretical. It’s active.
Disclaimer: This post reflects my personal experience and opinion, supported by public documentation and legal consultation. It is not a legal accusation, but a good-faith warning to fellow investors.
