If you financed your rent-regulated property with a mortgage from Signature Bank—now owned by Santander Bank—you may have experienced difficulties that are causing unnecessary stress and financial strain.

We are evaluating a possible class action for New York landlords who financed their rent-regulated properties with a mortgage from Signature Bank, which was sold by the FDIC to Santander Bank, and have faced challenges in dealing with Santander, including,

Increased reporting requirements;
Lack of responsiveness to requests or concerns;
Imposition of default interest, fees, or other penalties; and
Delays in implementing needed solutions for affordable, rent-stabilized, or preservation properties.

You may be eligible if your mortgage was originally made by Signature Bank, and is now owned by Santander Bank, and you have been harmed by the way Santander Bank has dealt with your loan, by, among other things,

Prolonged decision-making
Failing to fulfill promises
Imposing increased reporting requirements
Charging you default interest, fees and/or other penalties without justification
Promising to implement needed solutions, but delaying decision making and/or implementation

We’re here to help. Use the form below to submit your information for a free confidential evaluation.

Have You Been Negatively Affected?

How Class Actions Work

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. You are not automatically part of any class unless and until a court certifies the class.

Did Santander Bank Purchase Your Signature Loan?

What Is a Class Action?

A class action is a type of lawsuit that allows many people with similar claims to join together and seek relief in a single case. Instead of hundreds or thousands of individuals each filing separate lawsuits, one or more "representative plaintiffs" (sometimes called "lead plaintiffs") bring the case on behalf of the entire group, or "class."

Why Use a Class Action?

Efficiency - Combines many small but important claims into one case.
Level Playing Field - Gives consumers, employees, or investors the ability to challenge large corporations or institutions.
Consistency - Avoid conflicting judgments in different courts.
Practical Recovery - For individuals whose claims may be too small to pursue on their own, a class action makes recovery possible.

Investigation- Attorneys review facts, research applicable law, and identify potential defendants.
Filing the Complaint - A lawsuit is filed on behalf of a proposed class.
Class Certification - The court decides whether the case can proceed as a class action. Until certification, individuals are not automatically members of a class.
Notice to Class Members - If certified, the court orders that notice be sent to all identifiable class members. This explains their rights, including the right to opt out.
Litigation or Settlement - The case proceeds through discovery, motions, and possibly trial. Many class actions resolve through negotiated settlements.
Distribution of Relief - If there is a judgment or settlement, eligible class members may receive compensation or other remedies. Distribution is usually handled by a court-appointed administrator.

The Stages of a Class Action

Your Role as a Class Member

Passive Members - If you fall within the class definition, you may automatically be included unless you opt out.
Lead Plaintiffs - Some individuals take on the responsibility of representing the class, working closely with counsel.
Opt Out Rights - You always have the right to exclude yourself and pursue your own case, if you wish.

Class actions are almost always handled on a contingency basis. This means you pay nothing upfront. Attorneys' fees and costs are awarded by the court and typically come out of any settlement or judgment, subject to court approval.

Costs

Why Choose Our Firm

We are experienced in complex commercial litigation and committed to protecting the rights of individuals who may otherwise not have a voice. Our team investigates potential claims and guides clients through each step of the class-action process.

Not necessarily. You are only part of a class once a court certifies it and you fall within the defined group. In some cases, you may need to file a claim form to receive compensation.

If a class is certified, the court requires that notice be provided — usually by mail, email, or publication. The notice will explain your rights.

No. In class actions, lawyers are usually paid only if there is a recovery. Attorneys’ fees are approved and awarded by the court.

You have the right to opt out of the class and pursue your claim individually. The notice you receive will explain how to do so and by what deadline.

Class actions can be complex and may take several years to resolve. The timeline depends on the facts, number of parties, and court rulings.

If there is a settlement, the court will review and approve it to ensure it is fair, reasonable, and adequate. You may need to submit a claim form to receive payment.

Most class members do not. Only lead plaintiffs and a small number of class members are actively involved in litigation.

It varies by case. Compensation may be in the form of money, refunds, repairs, or changes in business practices. No outcome is guaranteed.

Frequently Asked Questions

This is attorney advertising.

The purpose of this investigation is to determine whether a class action lawsuit may be filed. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. You are not automatically part of any class action unless and until a court certifies the class.

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.