Baltimore Sues WAZ Brothers Over Alleged Unsafe and Abusive Housing Practices

Baltimore City has taken the owners commonly known as the WAZ brothers to court, alleging a broad pattern of unsafe and abusive rental practices.

The Mayor and City Council filed suit Monday against Benjamin, Isaac and Ruben Ouazana. The city alleges that properties connected to the brothers included unlicensed apartments and conditions involving mold, leaks, rodents, insects, trash and failures of basic services such as heat, electricity, hot water and working toilets.

Those claims are allegations in a civil complaint and have not yet been proven in court. The defendants will have an opportunity to respond.

The city also accuses the brothers of using deceptive leases, collecting rent that was not legally owed and pursuing evictions against tenants who withheld payment. Kernan Gardens Apartments is a central property identified in the action, while city materials also reference conditions at Belvedere Court Apartments.

City Solicitor Ebony Thompson said Baltimore had repeatedly cited the defendants for housing-law violations and alleged that earlier responses did not produce lasting correction. Mayor Brandon Scott framed the lawsuit as part of the city’s effort to protect residents while expanding affordable housing.

The case could become important beyond the named properties. Baltimore’s rental-enforcement system depends on inspections, licensing, tenant complaints and court action working together. When serious conditions persist, the gap between a violation notice and an actual repair can determine whether a home remains habitable.

Residents affected by unsafe housing should document conditions, preserve notices and receipts, and use official city or legal-aid channels for guidance. PowerPage will follow the case for a filed response, court ruling or verified settlement rather than treating the allegations as established fact.