Gena Morehouse v. Bell Partners Inc., et al.

BACKGROUND

On July 29, 2025, plaintiff filed a putative class action in state court against Bell Partners Inc. (“Bell”), asserting a single claim for violation of California’s Unfair Competition Law (“UCL”), Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 17200, et seq. (See Dkt. 1, Notice of Removal (“NOR”) at Jf 1, 3); (Dkt. 1-2, Complaint at [| 48-64). On October 6, 2025, plaintiff added BCF Warner Center, LLC (“BCF”) as a defendant. (Dkt. 13, Stipulation at 3) (“On October 6, 2025, Plaintiff amended the Complaint in the state court action to substitute Defendant BCF Warner Center, LLC for Doe 1.”); (see Dkt. 11, Joinder and Consent to Removal). Plaintiff alleges that Bell, a large “residential landlord in the United States,” (see Dkt. 1-2, Complaint at 3), violates the UCL by charging “junk fees.” (See id. at Jf] 2, 48-64). Plaintiff seeks to represent a class comprised of persons who leased defendants’ rental units in California. (See id. at {| 39). On October 6, 2025, Bell removed the action pursuant to the Class Action Fairness Act of 2005 (“CAFA”), 28 U.S.C. §§ 1332(d). (See Dkt. 1, NOR at 7 16). Now pending is plaintiff's motion to remand. (See Dkt. 14,…