BALTIMORE, MD (Monday, August 10, 2026) — Mayor Brandon M. Scott and the City Council of Baltimore filed an action today aiming to prevent the unfair, deceptive, and abusive practices of the Ouazana brothers, some of City's most notorious slumlords. The Complaint alleges that the Ouazana, aka "WAZ," brothers, who own and operate multiple unlicensed apartment buildings in the City, trap Baltimore's most vulnerable residents in appalling housing conditions and subject their tenants to violent intimidation and harassment.
The City's Complaint claims that the Ouazana brothers rent unlicensed apartments without working electricity or basic amenities such as toilets, heat, or hot water. The units are often filled with garbage, rodents and insects, with leaks and mold running down the walls and ceilings. The Ouazana brothers use harassment to collect rent that is not owed and illegally evict tenants who refuse to be intimidated.
The Ouazanas' largest apartment complex, Kernan Gardens Apartments, was recently identified as a high-violation property under the Strengthening Renters' Safety Act, passed by the Baltimore City Council early this year.
"These slumlords knowingly put their tenants in harm's way, and we will hold them accountable," said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. "Every person in our city deserves a safe, healthy place to call home, and as we make historic investments to expand affordable housing options across Baltimore, we will continue to hold bad actors like the Ouazana brothers accountable for preying on some of our city's most at-risk residents."
"The City has repeatedly cited Defendants for violations of local housing laws." Said City Solicitor Ebony M. Thompson. "Each time, Defendants did the minimum and continued their egregious practices. With this comprehensive action, we plan to put an end to their unlawful actions once and for all."
The case, filed in the Circuit Court of Baltimore City, alleges that Benjamin, Isaac, and Ruben Ouazana, by and through several LLC's they operate, committed numerous violations of Baltimore City's Consumer Protection Ordinance, ran afoul of multiple housing and rental laws, and operate at least two unlicensed apartment buildings that should be deemed public nuisances. The City seeks financial compensation for tenants, fines for violations of law, and abatement to mitigate the nuisance conditions.
The City is represented by Chief Solicitor Tom Webb and Assistant Solicitors Natalie Neill and Zachary Babo of the Baltimore City Law Department.
