Court Affirms Anti-SLAPP Ruling Against Apartment Complex

SANTA ANA, Calif. - A California appellate court has affirmed dismissal of a malicious prosecution lawsuit brought by an apartment complex against tenants who argued that the lawsuit was in retaliation for their earlier mold lawsuit. Sycamore Ridge Apartments LLC v. Naumann, et al., No. D053580 (Calif. Ct. App., 4th Dist.).

The Fourth Appellate District on Oct. 9 affirmed a trial court finding that Sycamore Ridge Apartments LLC failed to show that the earlier suit, which was settled, ended favorably for Sycamore, on the whole.

Sycamore argued unsuccessfully that California's anti-SLAPP law (strategic lawsuit against public participation) did not apply …