Stealing Security

The plaintiffs say the defendant is their former landlord. They claim the man is keeping their security deposit out of spite, so they’re suing to get it back. The defendant says he’s been a landlord for 20 years and follows the law. He says the plaintiffs are lucky they got any money back.
27-034

[@chilltheheckoutwithava1454]

I love when people try to tell the judge what the law is.

[@BCNeil]

Ghetto law doesn't count in courts sadly for this group

[@practicewhatyoupreach79]

@@BCNeilwhat exactly is ghetto law

[@jecarraoneal6792]

​@@BCNeilwhat's ghetto law?

[@ebonylyons6454]

I love when the judge tells a litigate how they feel, what they were thinking and why they did something.

[@XFiorentti]

I just love when tenants say what the law is and tries to debate that with a Judge who I guess is not familiar with the judicial laws...😂😂

[@missy67]

I have learned a lot from watching People's Court over the years- especially to take pictures right when you move in and and the day you move out -(for the landlord too) -pics with time/date stamp are the proof you need in case there is any question later.

[@CeeYa1989]

I’ve learned to do a full video with commentary throughout. I uploaded my vids to KZbin to save and boy did they come in handy! Uploading it avoids the missing or broken device issue.

[@missy67]

@@CeeYa1989 Good idea!

[@sosobeautiful7]

Yes I even do it when I go into hotels

[@CeeYa1989]

@@sosobeautiful7 why hotels?

[@sosobeautiful7]

​@CeeYa1989 maybe the ones I stayed in but at times I'd notice little things and I would love my deposit when I leave

[@ReaperKid-od7rw]

I love binge watching the People's Court, who else??😁 I have a list of the best cases. Is the plantiff really trying to tell the judge the law??😂😂

[@unsolvedmisstory3049]

I would love to hear your list. I have one or two cases in mind that we’re really good that no one ever mentions.

[@ReaperKid-od7rw]

@@unsolvedmisstory3049 yeah, here it is: 'not taking rejection well" "Being A Snow Blower" "Give me back my money" "I didn't do it" . "Running out in the rent" "Taking Advantage" And yeah, what's your list?

[@shellwilliams6306]

I've found that when I take pics before and after I've NEVER had a problem getting my entire security deposit back. WOW....phones aren't just for taking dirty pictures 🤣🤣🤣

[@YvonneNonYa]

Good luck in New york they don't even put it in an interest account. I currently I have 4 judgements for security deposits I won in court I stopped bothering cause I'm waisting money to try and get money ill never see. I also take pictures of before move in and after I move out.

[@thebookwasbetter3650]

I had a disposable camera in my glove box for a long time because of this show. Yup, that's how long I've been a fan!

[@VeryKinkyCurl]

😂

[@ashleyschellinger6052]

I have never moved into an apartment where there wasn’t defects everywhere 🙄 the judge must only Rent new developments- this is why you take photos first before moving in and dated

[@Nevaeh1]

I find it hard to believe that someone who would get a lawyer involved and then sue for attorney fees and double the remainder of the security deposit wouldn’t take detailed pictures before moving in. Most likely, that wasn’t her first time renting. The pictures probably helped the landlord’s case, so she didn’t present them.

[@KSakamoto]

Eh, I would do that. A shower head isn’t very expensive. But I also wouldn’t have taken it when I moved out so.

[@danir6695]

Every apartment that ive rented gives you a list of things to check upon move in so you can document pre existing damage. But also, as you stated, she should have taken before and after photos. It’s hard to prove pre existing damage unless you document it very well.

[@Alexya-dn5bx]

@@Nevaeh1not really. Maybe she got smart after. That’s unfortunately how I’ve learned a few lessons. Like for me I’d be so glad I have a place and unless I was absolutely strapped I don’t see any reason why I would contact for shower heads . I’d be like wtf that’s weird and or cheap and move on and buy my own. Now that I’ve learned I will take it as a red flag if not listed as a part of staging of course.

[@bethcarico7549]

I used to work in property management. For 7 years I did evictions for a rental company and I've seen it all. But one thing I learned, some landlords will LOOK for every single reason to charge a tenant every penny of their deposit. Some landlords were so relaxed that they wouldn't charge their tenant for any cleaning, any of the damages, repairs etc , even when it was really really justified. Some landlords are super reasonable while some are so unreasonable that we'd have to refuse to withhold some of the items they request we bill the tenant for. Like if a tenant left broken blinds in the apartment, the landlord wants to charge to have them replaced, even if the landlord didn't furnish the blinds in the first place. Or landlords who want to charge a tenant for carpet replacement when the carpet has lived out numerous tenants and the unlucky tenant who gets the end of the carpet life time gets the whole bill. Although some landlords would waive last month's rent for a good tenant, give free rent at Christmas time, never raise the rent after numerous years, etc. There's just two different sides when it comes to landlords. I will say, the number of tenants who totally destroy a rental unit far outweighs the few bad landlords who "attempt" to nickel and dime a SD. I would never be a landlord for that reason alone.

[@tasha5432]

Excellent points.

[@jennb45]

I Wish you, with your experience, were a home owner who rents property. I get that some ppl destroy everything they come in contact with but some renters don't deserve the crap they get from landlords. I've seen ppl who lived in properties for 10 years and get charged for painting the unit upon leaving. Every situation is different, but until a couple years ago in my area, most rental properties were older homes. Minimum done to rent it out. No maintenance done during the lease, but the renter is supposed to forfeit their deposit and the pennies of interest to renovate the unit for the next tenant. Buy a new carpet when the carpet was 7 years old at move in. New ceiling fans but 10 years of the same ceiling fan was offered to the tenant. Reasonable wear and tear is super subjective and doesn't play well for tenants in most cases.

[@natashascott8489]

Minus lawyer fees, so she’s walking away with a little over $100 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@RougeStrom]

Less than that if you count talking off from work,food ,gas,etc. She most likely lost money.

[@marilynwillett804]

no wonder she looks so miserable.

[@Tranquility32]

I wonder what attorney told the plaintiff that she could use the security as an extra month’s tenancy. It is for damages, not extending your stay. (UNLESS, there is a written, signed agreement between the tenant and landlord.)

[@BCNeil]

Most renters want to use their security as their last months rent. Shady

[@RedFoxwithTubeSocks-hi7jj]

The attorney's name was Troy McClure. You may remember him from the movie "Lead Paint: Delicious but Deadly."

[@Fribee83]

I have a feeling that the lawyer said that in some instances, a landlord will accept using the security deposit and all she heard was "You can use it".

[@faznout]

Of course the idea of a security deposit is for damages, so when the tenant moves out if there's any damages the landlord would use that towards the cost of repairing. But there have been many circumstances where a landlord knows the tenant took very good care of the place because they stopped by several times and to call it even they would tell the tenant they could use their deposit as the last. Point is it's all about personal preference.

[@Sophie-mm7ow]

As a landlord, I have it in my lease that the "security deposit can not be used for last month's rent under any circumstances." Because so many tenants do this anyway, they are causing the landlord to require first and last month's rent plus security deposit. Most people can not afford to pay the 1st month's rent and security deposit, much less 2 months rent. Tenants like these people are making it extremely hard for renters who live paycheck to paycheck to be able to find a decent rental that they can afford and be proud to call home. I think sometimes landlords forget that yes, it's their property, but it is the tenants' home, and hopefully, they treat it as such.

[@Pinkdiamond12]

Most landlords are slum lords. Its rare when you find a good one.

[@karensheldrick7593]

The government will soon be responsible for housing renters as many landlords here in Canada are tired of dealing with unfair tenants and are getting out of the rental business.

[@tamekadavis6641]

You can't tell a judge how the law works.💯

[@user-fb9jo1cd1s]

“Why did you rent a place without showerheads “ 🤣

[@scotthewitt258]

That was really odd.

[@traceyaz125]

The reason people live out their security is because most landlords are thieves. They figure it’s better to get it and then haggle over damages than try to wrest it away from the landlord.

[@mistiinseattle]

I am 76 and have rented dozens of apartments. I leave the apartments spotless..Not once has a landlord ever withheld my security deposit.

[@traceyaz125]

@@mistiinseattle you were fortunate.

[@mistiinseattle]

@@traceyaz125 I took care of places and thoroughly cleaned them. :)

[@traceyaz125]

@@mistiinseattle I’m glad you’ve never come across an unscrupulous landlord.

[@YvonneNonYa]

I've never got my security deposits back ever nor lived them out I have judgement orders but I'm not ever gonna see that money 😂

[@34stzoo]

In our lease there is a section where the tenant has to initial that security deposit cannot be used as rent at the end of their tenancy. This way there is a verbal conversation regarding security deposit.

[@jennylynx1869]

You would still have to take them to court. That would change nothing. The law is the law, that would be like having someone initial that they won’t break the lease.

[@34stzoo]

@@jennylynx1869 I agree 100% with you. That is so I can say to a judge that they knew the security deposit could not be used as rent. It shows that we took all the proper steps. My goal if I ever go to court, is to have the judge look at my paperwork and I don't have to say a word.

[@keithjoseph7433]

Doesn't matter if the defendant is going to put up TVs, he may not want them in the same area. Most importantly unless he gets the same mount for the TVs the holes are not going to line up. Also in other cases she has ruled that the rooms must be in the same condition and that includes patching holes made by TVs, pictures and so on. She really needs to be consistent in her rulings. Sometimes I feel she is using a magic 8 ball in her rulings.

[@carolyndavis6657]

She is crazy if she thinks that price would cover the painting of the whole apartment. Something wrong with this ruling.

[@traceyaz125]

Definitely. We just had patching/painting done on just the dining/living room ceiling and it was $1,200! And besides, in this case if it’s been some time it’s hard to match the paint and the whole room may need to be done. You’re not going to get much done for $500

[@123kymar]

SO every new tenant that hangs a tv he is gonna do a whole paint job for the entire apartment???

[@keithjoseph7433]

@@123kymar You may want to reread the post. I didn't mention anything about paint. Normally people who have rooms painted have extra paint around and can have the mixing code on it so can do touch ups. Now landlord are responsible for repainting for normal wear and tear after so many years unless someone moves it and Jack's it up. Renters are not owners and it's not their property and it's not someone else responsible to pay for someone who damages or modifies that property. Now if that landlord painted the rooms and a few months or a year go by and they screwed up the walls or their kids used it as art paper, yeah in that case they can pay for the repaint.

[@actualfactual1882]

I swear I wouldn't even talk to dude coming out the court room...but then again there's prolly some stipulation that states in order to get your judgement you have to talk to him smh

[@briasworld8]

Right. He's annoying.

[@StevenDoh]

This is the kind of entitled tennant. They will alter the apt the way they want then leave it lacking and then get upset about their security.

[@kathyclaudiochandler]

I do think that Lawyers can ill advise at times, based on the thought process that it’s more expensive to fight it. It’s not right and they should be held more accountable for it.

[@chansophonlong]

For some reason I didn't like the plaintiff

[@imissmayberry12]

She has an attitude

[@deanwinchestersgirl8767]

She is trying to act like she's better than everyone it's annoying

[@panamafernandez4641]

How is she "acting better than everyone"? Sounds like you have a problem with her having a serious attitude, being well spoken & well dressed. 🤷‍♀️

[@mikieanthony777]

The plaintiff probably watches the show and knows how Marilyn treats certain customers.

[@imissmayberry12]

@@mikieanthony777 then she should have went to Judge Mathis

[@PawMom101]

Most landlords keep the pet deposit cause pets can destroy carpet/walls/doors yes pets can scratch them up. BUT when you go and rent a place take pictures of each room before moving your stuff in and when you move out.

[@Amy-xoxo305]

SHE THINKS SHE KNOWS LAWS.....LMAO!! SHES SO WRONG!!!

[@dfa3366]

People think that just because an attorney tells them something that it's truthful. They tell you want you want to hear.

[@catalinaabeyta4379]

This is so stupid. Don't even walk on the floors or no deposit back. It was like 2 inches of damage. He's not going to fix any of that. He's just a jerk.

[@34stzoo]

I just had a renter move out... It is stressful. This will be the first time we're holding the security deposit. There are way too many holes in the walls, doors are damaged, a room that wasn't painted back to the original color, hardwood floor damage, and all the walls have to be painted. We're alright with wear and tear but outright damage is unacceptable. We have to document every item, take pictures, and get estimates. Which exceeds their deposits. Which doesn't include the items I'm fixing and not charging for. The work we have to bill for we have to hire out. You have to keep good records and communication when it comes to tenants' requests. My past tenants, yeah there was wear & tear, items that should be replaced because of age, and upgrades that fall on us. Both sides need to take pictures and all requests & communication should be by email.

[@Tuturu708]

Aw poor landlord having to do work because they’re profiting off of human rights 🥺🥺🥺 I feel so bad that it’s stressful when you’re monopolizing on housing 🥺🥺🥺🥺

[@DPhasely]

​@@Tuturu708Profiting off of human rights? Nobody lives for free anywhere; everyone has to pay a rent or mortgage.

[@Tuturu708]

@@DPhasely yes. Those poor landlords with a $200 a month mortgage charging $2500 for a 1 bedroom apartment. Won’t someone please think of them 🙏

[@DPhasely]

@@Tuturu708 $200 a month? LOL...I don't think so.

[@34stzoo]

@@Tuturu708 Wow, so you are one of those who believes they are owed everything for doing nothing. I worked hard to purchase that home, and even harder to maintain it, and if you think pulling your self-entitled BS on me will guilt me or make me feel bad... All I have to say to that is send me your address so I can live in your entitled world! I would love to get everything I want and not have to walk for it!

[@amymaher9243]

These plaintiffs are out of line!!! Trying to get a payday.

[@fredericknewman5398]

I hate renting apts with hardwood floors. It's impossible not to scratch them, so the landlord will charge you, where carpet is just normal wear and tear and can't charge you

[@barbarawallach1334]

Why would she lie about the shower heads? Ridiculous.

[@Sasha-71]

People who rent always get mad at landlord not even understanding if they owned property they would do exactly what this landlord did withhold money to fix the damage

[@peterlafayette5595]

I have been a professional landlord in Chicago since 1978.. Landlords always have to eat it tenants get away with murder. That's why I live in Alabama now I sold all 9 properties I'm out. Poor people are terrible they have no responsibility.

[@Shaikhofilm]

She’s a new landlord now? Believe me , she will become a changed person . Being very nice before to arguing and fighting with tenants, which is inevitable. Why the fighting? Because the tenant says they are the ones in charge and authority; and the landlord says they are the ones in charge and authority. War results .

[@scotthewitt258]

What do people do to their carpets in a rental?!?!? They remodeled all the apartments {126} in our complex over ten years ago. Like a major thing with government grants. New carpet New tike floors where uncarpeted Painted entire apartment New water heater that uses a heat pump Central air to replace baseboard heaters and an AC unit in the living room wall Dishwashers New showers New lighting fixtures using CFL bulbs New refrigerator New kitchen stove New roofs on all buildings All that to say, after over ten years, my carpet and flooring look like the day they put them in, for the most part.

[@deefleming6271]

Random: I still wanna know what Douglas be doing to the Judge Podium when up there lol it’s like he adjusting something every case idk

[@taurus2600]

Plaintiff gives me Doria vibes. Fair judgement

[@neshamojanay9423]

I see

[@user-pr3ez8we9g]

Not reporting missing shower heads or anything else wrong in the apt will be a move out problem always, To have no apt move in issue's just by reporting the missing shower' head's immediately to the landlord to protect yourself when moving in and you move out. Period

[@zuritribe4844]

THOSE PICS ARE SO CLOSE UP!

[@missa1goins]

I said the same, whose apartment is that?

[@anthonyperez6906]

Landlords have to do the apartment over anyway!¡ this is ripoff

[@m.newton556]

When her tenants live out the security deposit I hope she doesn’t get mad

[@Mrs.Standard]

They got mad about that tent and locked her out stupidly without researching the law!!! They used the boyfriend excuse, it’s called call the 911… bet they won’t do that again😂

[@stevebutler812]

A lot of us want fancy shower heads, not the cheapo ones they provide. They’re free at most city water departments.

[@aliciacarstensen7904]

Small dachsund...isn't that redundant? 🤣

[@napastar100]

You take pictures before you move in and after you move out! So the landlord does not go after you and get your deposit back! It's common sense!!!

[@user-cz5ny3tn9t]

She is going to lose the case, because she has a very attitude

[@PHOENIX1699]

OH SHE IS??!! Bwahahahaha - Doug

[@user-hs1zr6mc5d]

The plaintiff should've used that security for 2 months since he allowed them to use it for rent. At least she would've came out better than she did in court. He tried to eat every penny of that money up.

[@DayZeeFy]

I bet this woman is a nightmare landlord. She seems entitled to do whatever she wants to a place she rents, but i feel like she is super strict with her tenants, and will be keeping many deposits.

[@sachelleb4930]

Of course a landlord wouldn't put attorney's fees as part of the contract unless the tenant to be asked for it, and even then they don't have to. Question is why is it up to them to determine that the tenant is entitled to attorney fees and not a judge? Seems unfair considering how often landlords try to take advantage of tenants nowadays.

[@Mary_Lee2395]

Wish she told JJ what the law is 😂😂 JJ would’ve ripped her apart and her case would’ve lasted less than 3 minutes. But one thing every tenant and landlord needs to understand is the difference between damages and normal wear and tear.

[@Step-n-Wolf]

Part of the reason I only rented once in my life.

[@scotthewitt258]

If they installed showerheads, would that be something that would be considered an "attachment". I know that my mom's aunt exercised her option to add a screendoor on her apartment when she moved into it. She had to leave it up when she moved out. Because it was "attached". Would the showerheads count the same way? I am sincerely asking, because I do not know the minutiae.

[@terrellrobinson3286]

Harvey asks the stupidest questions I swear. I always skip past him.

[@thankthelord4536]

The daughter look as old as the mom.

[@Smitty46sb]

I wonder what Douglas whispered to the co plaintiff.

[@williestubz7957]

@5:53 judge milian speaking cat for her cat viewers

[@donteporchia1744]

Judge Milian.

[@michelehemlokhexwhite4310]

So she's a landlord, and she STILL didn't take detailed pics and vids upon exit (or entry, re the shower heads particularly). That tells me a few things!

[@marierenfro7258]

Not spite keeping out of greed

[@Doc1855]

Ben’de’ho?

[@mickm6309]

She brought her husband to look intimidating, obviously he isn't allowed to speak.

[@kingnajiyd7282]

Nor is the daughter allowed 2wear a bra

[@OOOGhost-girlOOOshhhhh]

Take before and after pictures!!!!

[@anthonyperez6906]

This is bs

[@adrianknight1406]

I'm surprised that the plaintiff received any money back at all considering Milian's track record in cases such as this. Nonetheless it was far less than what she was suing for...

[@Amy-xoxo305]

LIKE WHAT BLACK PEOPLE WHO U HINK SHE HATES?? WHEN UR THE ACTUAL hater!!!

[@jaleinegreen7411]

Adrian knight/prince/whoever you are 🤔👎🏻

[@bhornannawindeedeigh5007]

Adrian 🤢🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮

[@danir6695]

You almost did it.. you almost said it… it’s almost as if the judge was.. fair?

[@crystalle8982]

👍💯👍

[@christopherbako]

Harvey is useless.

[@deasiafrazier2629]

First one!!!

[@lostsoul1278]

😮

[@91PHS10]

🍪