iam going to court. my landlord is trying to evect me. need help if possible, anyone?

Question

my landlord is trying to evect me after 13yrs. i held rent to make repairs he has not done in all this time. i have a jury trial coming up and could use some suggentions if anyone has any on how to present my case. I am a little nevious about the whole thing and I don't want to mess up. I think I have a good case and all the docs. needed but I dont' want to talk to much just get to the facts. I have wiritten them down several time but it is to long. What can i do to make it count and get the attention of the Judge?

Answer 1

besides of having proof of all the damages, pictures etc

another important thing is to have proof that while withholding rent you have been saving that amount each month in a bank account, judge will want to see evidence you have placed the rent money away and have not spent it

Answer 2

One thing that could be important is what repairs you withheld the rent for. I know this is hindsight but i'm hoping that you have wrote and made copies of letters to the landlord asking for the rpairs to be made and at least one stating that is why you are withholding your rent. make sure you take clear visible pictures of the problem. it also might not hurt to get a few free estimates done so the judge can be aware of what cost of it will be and it will also give you solid evidence of what is wrong.
One of the other thing about withholding the rent is that the judge will tend to lean a little to your side if you are able to show that you still have the rent which i hope you still have. if not the judge may look at it as trying to get out of paying your rent.

Answer 3

You can't hold the rent from them even when they are required to make repairs in a timely manner. I wish you would've tried other means than keeping the money from him. Like try to move if he was being difficult with his part. Judges hear cases about unscrupulous landlords & maybe it all depends on what judge you get. I would be nervous, too, especially if the judge is partial to the landlords in your area even when they know they're wrong. I'd tried to settle out of court with the landlord even though they are wrong. Maybe someday you can find or afford a different place. Till then try to be patient & hang tough & know that even if you won't get justice from a court, it's kinda like Karma for them cuz "you don't $crew people over w/o it coming back on you someday in someway." Always try peaceful solutions first though cuz you know people have friends & especially they may have alot of loyal brown-nosing tenants to help 'em out. If they already don't have the morals to do right by you, who's to say they may not be vindictive? Be careful & Best Wishes to you!

Answer 4

Well, you won't get any points for not going to court to have him fix these problems, but just do a brief explanation of why you didn't pay the rent, apologize for not going through the court system in the first place, and show him the pictures and other proof of what the landlord didn't do.
If possible, file a counter suit against him before your court date.
I'm listing a website on California eviction law. Do a search for eviction law in your state. Laws are different in each state, so do your research.

You also have a major problem on your hand. Legally, You do NOT have the right to withhold money... big oops. Read the section on expert law on "Bringing a Counter-Claim." That will be of most help to you, I hope.

Answer 5

Wow I've never heard of an eviction case going to jury trial.

Answer 6

Talk to a lawyer. if it's a jury trial, you need one. they have trained to talk to juries, and might even get you an out of court settlement. It also shows the landlord that you're serious.

Answer 7

Prove in court that you have not violated any of the terms in the contract and convince the judge that the landlord has no valid reason to evict you.

Answer 8

Sounds like a good case for judge Judy. Just have all your documents .!!

Answer 9

get a lawyer

Answer 10

you could run to canada