Landa Investors Left in Limbo
The allure of becoming a real estate investor with just $5 seemed like a dream come true for many users of Landa, a proptech company that promised fractional shares in residential properties. Founded in 2019 by CEO Yishai Cohen and former CTO Amit Assaraf, Landa aimed to democratize real estate investment by allowing anyone over 18 and residing in the U.S. to start investing with a minimal amount.
However, the dream quickly turned into a nightmare for Landa users as the platform’s investment portal site went down, and the app became inoperable. Many investors found themselves unable to access their funds or receive dividends for months. The startup is now facing numerous lawsuits, including one from its early venture investor Viola.
One disgruntled user shared his experience with JS, stating that Landa stopped paying dividends in January and later disabled his ability to sell shares. Despite numerous attempts to contact Landa, the user received vague responses and was ultimately locked out of his account, unable to retrieve his funds.
The Better Business Bureau has received over 130 complaints against Landa, with users alleging similar grievances of not receiving dividends and facing difficulties accessing their funds. Landa’s CEO, Yishai Cohen, has provided reassurances that they are working on restoring full functionality to the platform, but many investors remain skeptical.
Landa Embroiled in Legal Battles
In addition to user complaints, Landa is facing legal action from its primary lenders, Viola Credit and L Finance, who filed a lawsuit in New York State Supreme Court accusing the company of defaulting on loans totaling over $35 million. The lenders also alleged that Landa neglected properties, missed property tax payments, and failed to collect rents.
After failed attempts to resolve the issues, the lenders removed Landa as the manager of the properties and appointed independent oversight. Despite a court injunction preventing Landa from accessing bank accounts, the company allegedly directed tenants to send rent payments to a different account, circumventing the ruling.
The legal battle between Landa and its lenders is ongoing, with Judge Jennifer G. Schecter ordering both parties to find a resolution that benefits all stakeholders. Landa has filed a countersuit, and the case remains unresolved.
Challenges in Fractional Real Estate Investing
Landa is not the only startup in the fractional real estate investing space facing difficulties. Other companies, such as Fintor and Nada, have pivoted their business models, while Arrived continues to operate under a similar investment model. The rise in mortgage interest rates in 2022 has posed challenges for these startups, leading to operational changes and strategic shifts.
For investors who trusted Landa with their money, the future remains uncertain. As of the latest update, Landa’s investor portal website is still inaccessible, leaving investors in limbo about the fate of their funds.
