Today, Curtis went to court. Our previous tenant (we're renting out our old house) sued us because we didn't give back his deposit. For the record, he didn't deserve any of it back and, in fact, actually owed us money, but we figured we'd never get it out of him, so we didn't do anything about it.
Well, we talked to a few people, made sure we had plenty of evidence on film and everything documented from our dealings with this past renter. We figured we had a solid case and the judge would just look at him and ask, "So why are you suing him?"
We were told that if we wanted, we could counter-claim and see if we could get the money back that he still owed from damages done to the property. But, again we figured that even if we won, he'd never pay. So we decided to be the nice guys and wait until court to defend ourselves instead of going on the offensive.
Well we were wrong.
Curtis went to court. Our past renter explained his side of the case (very poorly, the judge had to keep pulling him back on track, and he ended up never actually presenting a case against us), and so did Curtis (with the evidence we collected). Then the judge pulled out the rule book and said that our renter won because we didn't file a counter-claim.
So that is that, we now owe over $1,000 (which we have spent repainting, cleaning, repairing and replacing things in the rental -- all due to him) because we didn't look closely enough at the "Rental Laws". The judge said it was a learning lesson for us, albeit an expensive one.
I'd just like to kick a few people today.
6 comments:
Wow! That is frustrating! I would be pretty mad. I guess you will know next time....but still that is very maddening!
That is one of the worst laws I have ever heard of. Seriously?!?! That's ridiculous. At least I guess you can feel good about yourself for being "nice," but it sucks that it costs you so much money. That is really maddening...and I'm not even involved. I hate law suits.
Also, reason 920,840,928,302 why I hope we can sell our house and I don't have to rent it out. Jeff thinks it would be nice to rent it out, but I have heard too many horror stories.
That is RIDICULOUS. I am mad for you! I am with Michelle- I hate lawsuits! Hopefully this will all be behind you soon.
You totally helped me make up my mind about renting our house to get out of it! Sorry! I feel bad you guys had to go through that! Better luck next time...if there is one.
No kidding--about kicking someone! You should kick that judge! That is so stupid! I'm so sorry. I hope you guys get through it!
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