realestate

EasyKnock Proptech Closes Amid Sale-Leaseback Backlash

Company faces lawsuits from Texas and Michigan customers, plus scrutiny from multiple state attorneys general.

E
asyKnock, a New York-based sale-leaseback company, abruptly closed its doors last week after facing intense scrutiny from customers and government regulators. The company's website now features a brief statement announcing its closure, citing gratitude for the trust placed in them by consumers.

    The decision to shut down comes as no surprise given the mounting lawsuits against EasyKnock. Over two dozen people had filed complaints in Texas alone, alleging deceptive business practices related to their sale-leaseback deals. However, the company did recently secure a legal victory in an arbitration case, winning $153,000 in past-due rent and legal fees.

    EasyKnock's business model has been under fire from multiple states, with Massachusetts reaching a $200,000 settlement with the company last December to discontinue its sale-leaseback program. The Michigan Attorney General also launched an investigation into EasyKnock for deceptive practices, leading to a lawsuit filed by several residents in June.

    Despite securing new funding of $28 million earlier this year, EasyKnock has formally ceased doing business as of last week.

EasyKnock Proptech closes due to sale-leaseback backlash, office building in background.