Ep 3. Slumlord Millionaire

In Dirty Money season 2 episode 3, titled "Slumlord Millionaire," the focus is on real estate mogul, Jared Kushner. While Kushner is often in the news due to his familial connection to President Trump, this episode delves deeper into his business practices and the impact they have had on low-income tenants in Baltimore.

The episode begins by introducing us to the concept of a "slumlord" - a landlord who profits off of low-income housing while providing subpar living conditions for their tenants. Kushner's real estate company, Kushner Companies, purchased numerous properties in Baltimore in 2012 and 2013, with the goal of renovating and renting out the units to low-income tenants. However, according to the episode, Kushner's company failed to properly maintain the buildings, leading to a myriad of health and safety issues for the tenants.

One such building was the Cove Village complex, which Kushner Companies purchased for $6.1 million in 2012. The episode includes interviews with several tenants who describe issues such as leaking roofs, black mold, and infestations of rodents and insects. One tenant recounts the story of her son contracting lead poisoning from the peeling paint in their apartment. Another tenant explains that when she complained to management about her unit's lack of hot water and heat, she was threatened with eviction.

The episode also explores the legal implications of Kushner's business practices. In 2017, a group of tenants from the Cove Village complex filed a lawsuit against Kushner Companies, alleging that the company had violated numerous housing codes and regulations. The lawsuit was eventually settled out of court for an undisclosed amount, but the episode suggests that the settlement may not have been enough to make up for the harm caused to the tenants.

As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that Kushner's real estate empire extends beyond Baltimore. Interviews with tenants and activists in other cities highlight similar issues with Kushner-owned properties: allegations of neglect, poor living conditions, and a lack of accountability from the landlord.

The episode also touches on the political implications of Kushner's business practices. As the son-in-law of President Trump, Kushner holds a significant amount of power and influence in the White House. The episode suggests that his business dealings could potentially impact his ability to fairly represent the interests of low-income Americans in policy-making decisions.

Overall, "Slumlord Millionaire" is a sobering look at the impact of greed in the real estate industry. While Jared Kushner may be a high-profile example, the episode suggests that he is just one of many landlords who profit off of the exploitation of low-income tenants. Through its interviews with tenants and activists, the episode sheds light on the reality of living in substandard housing - and the urgent need for change.