Taking Too Much Money

The plaintiffs claim their landlord took advantage of them by making up damages to keep their security deposit, so they’re suing to get it back. The defendant says he needed to buy a new dishwasher and fix damaged walls. He claims he already returned part of the deposit and doesn’t owe anything else.
case 28-014

[@urbynanalysis9601]

Landlord was unreasonable. The tenants paid him rent for over 8 years, and he wanted to pinch the tenants for anything he could get before they left.

[@sherriesykes1734]

The landlord is required to paint especially after 8 years. I can't believe he made that poor man paint the basement

[@Lilyrose23]

He’s very greedy, he wants them to buy him a new dishwasher and to return the place like it’s new when they lived there for 8 years. He’s probably used to getting away with greed. Shameful

[@RobinMarconeCassidyRN]

I think so too. And, many of the landlords always want to keep the Tennant's deposits and sadly, they usually do. He seems very greedy.

[@teeshante]

I really believe these landlords have absolutely no intention to return security deposits. This happens way too often.

[@romerobryan4648]

What a beautiful couple. So gracefully self presented 💪🏿✊🏿🖤

[@chelsea7229]

Landlord’s are so obnoxious. I’m glad he was punished for trying to keep their money

[@omalichanwa1877]

When they brought out the text receipts, the landlord looked very uncomfortable 🥵🤣 side note: They are a lovely couple; I would have loved to see their children!

[@mel...s]

Right! I'm so nosey I was hoping they brought the kids out😂

[@jenerin905]

@@mel...s We all are nosey! That's why we watch shows where people bring their real issues to TV. 🤣 Of course we want to see the kids. They were lovely people! I bet their children were too.

[@collettecobby]

@@jenerin905 I never realized that that's why I watch😂 I love when JM asks those questions that aren't relevant to the case but everyone wants to know lol

[@christophernunn77]

Hahahaa me too. I wanted to see them run wild in the room hahahhaa.

[@none8726]

Right I wanted to see the WHOLE family!!

[@ThePracticalDog]

You can't leave a place as you found it 8 years later, I don't care how clean you are, how careful you are, how detailed you are. Eight years is going to result in wear, tear, life and sometimes, stains on carpet. NOTHING is the same after 8 years of life. Besides most states have laws that require things such as carpet be replaced after 5 years or the landlords accept they can not hold a tenant accountable once the carpet is older than 5 years. It's not meant to last forever, it's not possible for it to look "new" after 8 years. And there was no mention to this carpet being new when those people moved in 8 years prior, so who knows how old it was.

[@katroyal6309]

Most cheap carpets in rentals only have a service life of between 5-7 years so it would need to be replaced after 9 years even with no stains. Same with the dishwasher, same with the switch plates. If things are past their service age, then it is wear and tear. Periodm

[@etiennebreaux8623]

Those 2 are the most perfect tenants could ever dream of. Wait till that upity landlord gets just average tenants that will tear up the place.

[@katymcginn4644]

😒 GOOD, HOPE SO! KARMA 😊

[@sonquatsch8585]

those tenants are perfect because they are perfect people.

[@Childfree334]

Landlords will try to find ANY little thing to justify keeping a security deposit because they just don't want to pay it back. I live in Florida where landlords are supposed to, BY LAW, keep security deposits in interest bearing accounts, but they don't. They spend that money. Then when it is time to pay the piper they try to use normal wear and tear as an excuse to not pay the money back because they just don't have it. When I used to rent properties this happened every time. So glad I own my properties now.

[@bettemarie622]

I’ve had exactly one landlord follow the escrow/interest account law- my $2 check made me chuckle! I hate landlords who try to rehab their homes on the backs of renters

[@angela-yf5pq]

Not always. I used to work cleaning apt turnovers. TOTALLY DISGUSTING AND TORE UP. EVERYTIME. they were always sec 8

[@Childfree334]

@@angela-yf5pq Yeah, Section 8 people can be pretty bad. But to be fair, I have known plenty of self pay tenants who destroyed properties as well. People just don't care about things they don't own, section 8 or not.

[@justjared2009]

I agree 100%!!!

[@RichardCroft19670711]

OOooooòòòòoooooo

[@williamg8269]

Seriously? Keeping the security because of a new dishwasher? Seriously, I don't think I've ever seen a more picky and greedy landlord on this show before.

[@Indygrandma56]

Wow this landlord goes WAAYYY over board

[@katymcginn4644]

😒 TOTAL SCUMBAG. WHY DID THEY HAVE TO PAY FOR PAINT AFTER THAT MANY YEARS? 😑

[@teatea1115]

He’s like “you see this door, it’s squeaky now, it wasn’t squeaky when they moved in”

[@michellet7013]

He knows he was wrong, and just trying to get as much as he could.

[@p3doslayer]

100% slum lord

[@yvesleroux9313]

@@p3doslayer that’s not a slumlord. That’s a landlord who tries to extract $$$ not actually allowed to

[@kj2540]

Striking couple! Really good looking both.

[@tonyrichardson5955]

I was thinking the exact same thing. Plus Classy!😊

[@simoneh8464]

Right! I bet their kids are adorable.

[@redduskironsky1058]

especially the father

[@DavidKen878]

@@simoneh8464 You know their daughter must be gorgeous!

[@BrownBamaGirl8]

I concur

[@benjie128]

landlord: they didn't notifiy me tenants: shows proof they notified the landlord O.o judge: what would have have done if they had notified you landlord: fix it o.O landlord is just wrong.

[@manthony777]

If a landlord finds a good tenant, who lasts more than 8 years, he should kiss them where the sun don't shine. Defendant sounds like a school teacher. "I'm charging them for failure to report" oh pleez

[@millsykooksy4863]

Agreed

[@sonquatsch8585]

that's how his daddy treated him.

[@honestyisadyingvirtue]

Omg the defendant at the end still doesn't understand what he did. He's still talking about notifying him. 🤦‍♀️ he's gonna end up in small claims again with someone, he better wisen up.

[@teeshante]

There’s a lady in the courtroom behind the defendant with a pixie cut that has the best facial expressions for how much the defendant is full of $hit.

[@nateshaclarke9984]

Was JUST about to comment this lol 😆

[@monikachrobak1823]

As soon as he started talking she comes thru! 🤣😂

[@candicerobinson8571]

Her looks are priceless lol

[@kimdaisies2660]

🤭🤭

[@milly_lily1395]

😂

[@lionelluva]

If the Plaintiffs knew about the one day late notice, they would've gotten an even $2000 or the full judgment.

[@intuitivetasha113]

That's why the judge should have gave them the full judgement

[@katymcginn4644]

😒 ABSOLUTELY! JUDGE SHOULD HAVE GIVEN THEM THE FULL AMOUNT! THAT CHEAP, CHEATING LANDLORD NEEDS HIS SCUMMY A$$ TO LEARN A LESSON. DON'T RIP OFF GOOD PEOPLE! 🙏

[@kimdaisies2660]

Thats so but the Judge had the facts and knew the law...so straightaway the decision was easy Landlord unlawfully kept deposit in failing to give notice/reasons on withholding deposit within time period. That should have ended the matter. The Plaintiff's not making the argument does not matter..the Judge still had to apply the law. After all all the parties are lay persons anyway.

[@natyboops]

Don't understand why the judge didn't rule according to the law. This is small claims, they are not expected to know the law, the judge is. SMH

[@LeolaGlamour]

@@natyboops because the show pays the judgement, they generally won’t rule for something you didn’t ask for.

[@beautifulllb9493]

I love this couple! They are stunning 😍

[@maxinef6654]

They are a nice looking couple.

[@Psycadelick24]

Very nice looking and respectful

[@jenniehughes6927]

Classy and self possessed.

[@stormy6454]

Is the husband white, I can't tell?

[@beautifulllb9493]

@@stormy6454 of course not. He’s light skinned. At most, mixed

[@Samirah313]

Wow!!! He wanted to charge them with “failure to report “. They should have charged him with “failure to repair”!!! Most of those things were so minor; toilet handle, cable cord, dirty doorknob, etc…. The landlord is just petty.

[@tiff_jones]

That landlord was a scammer.

[@s_1408]

He IS a scammer

[@favi6404]

I agree

[@BIGROHAN28]

most are they don't even put the money In a interest bearing account

[@kathleenpoole1372]

Always expect your landlord to rent you a “normal” place but when you move all of a sudden it was a “castle in perfect condition” that you just “destroyed”! Take pictures of everything going in and going out along with a complete log of issues. Keep everything in writing, or they will try to screw you guaranteed!! Especially if you move out of town or state.

[@brandonmoskos9149]

This guy wants his renters to pay for everything. Lmaooo

[@davidellis5141]

Glad the Defendant is not my landlord !

[@the4cqueen148]

A seven year old rug that is still stained after being cleaned is actually considered normal wear and tear & the 8 year old dishwasher; i mean come on man.🙄😏😔

[@jazminami]

They are a good looking couple! 🖤🥰

[@nikbarker3640]

That couple seem so calm and loving. Goals 🥅 ❤️

[@theresadimaggio7241]

Well other then the so called mold, the defendent is crazy. They are good people , the plantiffs. He is nuts . He probably forgot to fix some things that the plantiffs saw. God bless the Judge

[@uMADden]

Racist much? I’m Asian btw

[@cheleamerica1st87]

The mold was at the bottom of the door could be a building issue

[@kimdaisies2660]

Yep the mold looked awful but if Plaintiff's can draw attention to a broken light then surely they must have said something about mold?? I mean that's hard to ignore. The landlord didnt give notice within 30 days, he should have just been required to refund double the deposit, simple.

[@MBCrusin]

The plaintiffs should have gotten the original $2000 something they requested because like she said at the end, the landlord sent the letter late which voids anything. Regardless whether they brought that up or not she should still abide by the law. But good case👍🏾

[@LunchMeatTrump]

She often doesn't follow the written law, and rules based on her own opinion. She is willing to do this in front of millions of people, imagine how shady some judges are behind closed doors with little witnesses.

[@reesaallen5474]

@@LunchMeatTrump Contempt of court is basically a judge feeling like disrespecting them is grounds to disregard your liberty. Imagine going to jail for an undisclosed amount of time for calling someone other than a judge an asshole.

[@LunchMeatTrump]

@@reesaallen5474 Not sure what you are even talking about or what it has to do with what I said. She literally gives different rulings on similar cases based on who she likes better. Most judges do the same thing and it is a corrupt system.

[@reesaallen5474]

@@LunchMeatTrump I was explaining the concept of contempt of court. Agreeing with you that judicial discretion is corrupt.

[@MBCrusin]

@@reesaallen5474 I got where you were going lol

[@KayKay-hz9di]

Beautiful Couple

[@iaintscaredofyoumfs3030]

Here is a secret. Apartment complexes & landlords put CHEAP carpet in units. It's NOT durable, and NOT made for long term use. It stains easily and just walking on it causes distress to the carpet. So unless you put plastic down over the WHOLE unit that is carpeted, it's impossible to return the unit with the carpet looking brand new. The average life for that cheap carpet is 1 year. Check your state but the carpet should be replaced anyway. The landlords will charge you for something they should be replacing anyway. Please fight it, bc 99% of landlords are greedy & want to keep your whole deposit.

[@thaabeetarot1478]

He payed extra for wanting to be extra

[@versatileduplicity9313]

He looked so mad to 😂😂

[@ashiajohnson1740]

Nice looking couple

[@Terrafire34]

I don’t want to nickel and dime them the .50 cent toilet handle is broken lol. WTF!?!?! Hahah

[@jinglejazz7537]

I love this case. we had the same problem with my mom's landlord, sent a bill that was double her security deposit. After we filed suit he sent another bill that was $600 more than the first. over 2000.00, we got her security deposit, plus interest, he got $200.00. he was mad because my mom filed lawsuit after slipping on ice, she had to have reconstructive surgery. She got 20k from that one as well. The condo association fired his company as well.

[@embbermoon3381]

Ma'am does your husband have a brother cause hun-ty🤸🏾‍♀️!!

[@AishaBrownIsMe]

His letter was late. Milian should have forced the landlord to pay back the entire deposit x 2. If the tenants were a minute late moving out, he would have charged them.

[@reneeyancey7857]

But did you catch the shade the judge gave😂😂 about the letter being late

[@adrianprince7266]

You would think after 8 years of Tenancy that these people could've made it work out. Sad for things to end like this after practically a decade on such a sour note.

[@samoday2992]

Yep effectively paid all the interest on the mortgage . All gravy now

[@robbbietheim2096]

What on earth makes him believe dishwasher's last forever SMH

[@heathernks8]

Harvey at the end: "That letter is REALLY important..". Yea, it was one day late, but don't let JM catch you staying One DAY past your lease, smh & lol!😭

[@teeshante]

That’s a very good point

[@MBCrusin]

Exactly! She was wrong for that

[@katymcginn4644]

😑 NO EXCUSE! THOSE SWEET PEOPLE SHOULD HAVE WON THE FULL JUDGEMENT! SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH HER! SO UNFAIR 😠

[@gtsound12]

@@katymcginn4644 yea she is racist. That is what’s wrong. Black people always have a harder time in her court. Even when they win they lose

[@katymcginn4644]

@@gtsound12 😒 I'M REALLY BEGINNING TO THINK YOU MAY BE RIGHT 😑 ALSO SEEMS LIKE PEOPLE WHO SHOULDN'T WIN, SHE GIVES FULL AMOUNT OF MONEY TO. YET ON MOST CASES (WITH POC) SHE ACTS LIKE IT'S COMING OUT OF HER OWN POCKET. NEVER GIVES FULL JUDGEMENT 😒

[@Lanie-sl9ne]

What a beautiful couple. ❤

[@sonquatsch8585]

they are gorgeous.

[@kesybaby5382]

Couple Goals right there!!!! Love them...!!!

[@dalehildebrandt1045]

This landlord keeps saying "failing to notify" but didn't notify his tenants within the legal time limit!

[@NellieKAdaba]

👍🏾

[@saraha.2454]

The husband is so handsome !

[@lookinatyoulookinatme1600]

And his wife is absolutely stunning. I would love to see their 3 children. I can imagine how beautiful they are.

[@VampyAnji]

I'm happy they won. There are so many bad landlords, and it's surprising the number of tenants who are ignorant to their rights.

[@joannalamb4542]

After 8yrs wouldn’t it be expected for the landlord to repaint?. I was a landlord and always repainted after a long term renter.

[@koristephen8002]

But can we just point out that they are a LOOOOOVELY COUPLE!!

[@coderider3022]

Yeah very genuine and didn’t deserve any of this nonsense

[@stephaniehowe0973]

After 8 yrs on a Carpet. Wear & Tear The Landlord was such a jerk

[@ebonyswope]

If they did a walk through on the 31st how did new tenants smell it the next day? This landlord is out of his mind.

[@kiota30]

After doing a bunch of airbnb rentals in Brooklyn, there are just certain folks you can't rent from!! So sad that he didn't appreciate that they were good tenants for so long.

[@Childfree334]

Love landlord/tenant cases💚💛🧡

[@lisasmith9371]

Makes me not want to be a landlord😂😂

[@stefanieromay2212]

Bet this landlord holds a bunch of ppls full deposits with BS fixes that he is responsible for. The only difference is that the other ppl don't say anything or feel they can't. He shouldn't get away with that.

[@StevenDoh]

I'm honestly shocked that the judge would have awarded the landlord anything for the paint after 8 years you have to paint the apartment anyway so who cares if their paint job was peeling a little bit

[@HighMaintenanceMinimalist]

Because it was a cosmetic change made by the tenant and it was in need of repair. I doubt she would have awarded that money if it was the original paint that was peeling.

[@milly_lily1395]

Wait. Move out on July 31st and Aug 1st a new tenant? How? How did new tenant ever view the house? Not even 24 hours later you already move someone else in? How?! That's not enough time. I'm lost and totally confused. I've been renting for 20 years never been in this situation.

[@juliealexandra7582]

Pffft this landlord needs to take a page out of our former landlords' book if he wants to try to bamboozle his tenants. Our previous landlord actually went so far as to doctor up a fake quote from a flooring company their friend owned, claiming the bit of damage our pets had done to their hardwood floor amounted to almost "$4000", when every other contractor we spoke to ourselves said the damage was, at most, $1000. Aside from forfeiting our last month's rent (which more than covered any damage or wear 'n tear), they didn't get a penny more out of us. They claimed they would be taking us to small claims, but surprise surprise, they didn't do shit (cuz they knew their fake quote would get outted immediately)

[@mwebb7292]

That landlord deserved nothing! Nothing at all. Smh

[@scarletredmagic6724]

This Landlord is Ridiculous🙄

[@piglette0928]

I would love to have tenant like this, my tenant stole my fridge lmao

[@HalfandHalf1983]

This is why I took pictures of my units b4 moving in and I screenshot every complaint that I sent to my landlord and our convos. Because of this kind of crap. Landlords LIE

[@melosidhe779]

The landlord just doesn't get it. Just because they didn't notify him of something doesn't mean they automatically pay for it. Especially in this case when they DID in fact notify him

[@bellaf7774]

I’m just smiling at this couple, I need to get my life😂😂

[@sonquatsch8585]

they are gods people. untouchable.

[@citygirlingraham]

Geez, the landlord tried to keep 1300.00 in security deposit. 8 years they where tenants. They are not responsible for the broke down dishwasher. But....I don’t feel that the plaintiff is happy with the outcome.?

[@neededtobesaid4275]

Nickel & dime to death!!!! It's a shame that he tried that on good long-term tenants. I had one of my landlords charge me for EVERY LIGHT BULB in my apartment! Why is he sticking with the lie that they didn't notify him about the dishwasher? Proven in court that they did. Nice looking couple. I love how he had his arm around his wife's waist as they walked off. 😇

[@BinaBina221]

The plaintiff is very handsome 😍

[@joeblow1998]

He's my brother in law

[@audreynorton6213]

Awesome. This Judge is Definitely Fabulous. God bless you.

[@HunkyMonkey619]

I hate the defendant's smug look!! Ugh!! He's a thief and a liar!!

[@joycejoseph4151]

What an awesome judgement, fair enough,greed leads to grief 👌👍🙏

[@foo.5254]

"Failure to notify" headassss 😂. The judgement was so satisfying lol.

[@youmakemelaugh1797]

Man fix you're own apartment up!!

[@cureeway]

Greedy landlord.

[@Michele0403]

That was a good outcome..... they lived there 8 years.....

[@MsLiz-rh7uj]

*Shame on the landlord!!*

[@OnlyFoolio]

0:52 I swear the girl in pink showed up to court with that on 😂😂

[@quinhas6760]

I am a landlord who has property in NJ. This defendant landlord was just terrible. He was using every excuse to withhold money. A dishwasher can break down after 7 years or even 5 years. Regular wear and tear can mean tiny holes in walls (from picture frames), loose cable wires, etc. The plaintiffs are a nice couple. Handsome husband and beautiful wife. By the way, landlord-tenant judges usually allow a landlord until the 31st day to serve a tenant a security deposit letter where there is 31 days in a month such as in this case. This defendant landlord will get a tenant who will trash his property and refuse to pay rent. Karma is a b--ch!

[@marshalastovall4270]

Absolutely, that landlord’s day is definitely coming!

[@laceywaldo4584]

That guy who said it’s not normal wear on carpet is 100% wrong .. after 3 years it’s considered it and they don’t have to pay depending on the extent on the damage on the carpet .. a few stains is normal

[@spacepanda9037]

People need to get a good look at that landlords face so they never rent from him

[@kj2540]

Defendant doesn’t remember anything...

[@davidellis5141]

The Rents Too Damn High !!

[@eloahnon4952]

I agree but where I live, that's not bad.

[@s_1408]

I'm glad they took the landlord to court. He thought they wouldn't! You can tell that he's done this before

[@inez879]

I hate when they withhold so much money for paint. I just had to paint my entire apartment a 5 gallon drum of paint was $175.

[@kh-ln8zs]

Arrogant landlord. Im happy to see the judge put him in his place.

[@pinkpopsubliminals]

He litterally stood there nd said that its because they didn't notify him. Its like its a tax or a fine or something. Wow. After 9 years and this guy wnt to keep the money. They missed the trick on the 1 day out.

[@gtsound12]

If he didn’t send the letter she is supposed to reward them the whole amount and it is supposed to be doubled. I have seen her do it before.. this judge really just picks and chooses who she decides should win based on her feelings and black people get the short end of the stick more then others on this show.

[@katymcginn4644]

😠 SHE'S SO DISGUSTING! BUT IF SOMEONE IS ONE DAY LATE ON MOVING OUT, SHE CHARGE'S THEM AN ENTIRE MONTHS RENT! PLUS IT'S USUALLY A FAMILY WHO CANNOT AFFORD THAT 😞 SO BIASED, SO WRONG!

[@marque235]

Mother was like, “that’d be a disaster” bringing their children into the courtroom.

[@defunctdefunctdefunct]

Lol, the landlord tripping. He was greedy and wanted to keep their money. So many landlords hold onto the security deposits because tenants don’t know to ask or fight for it. Hope he learns this lesson. P.S. the lady behind the defendant was so distracting.

[@LunchMeatTrump]

Yea bruh he trippin yo dawg homie sista cuz

[@jasonmckinney8166]

Do not rent from this guy

[@journeysalkebulan]

What a no good landlord! Smh!

[@joeblow1998]

That's my cousi

[@maevecooper3404]

Classy looking couple! Not her usual litigants.

[@Shaikhofilm]

Because the landlord doesn’t have to deal with or contact the tenant anymore, he stopped being good and nice to them, and tried to extract money from them. Looks like the defendant has experience in this situation, which he has encountered several times before- perhaps he could be or is an experienced property manager.

[@mrshappilymarried1]

Good for the Beautiful Plaintiffs!!!🏆🏆💵💵💰💰

[@Fatty305]

This Landlord was over, Over due and petty on itty bitsy things smh 🤦🏽‍♂️ but we got to love the greatness of text msg it saves n prove all worth

[@jtnelson1803]

Why don’t they all come in... Parents instant thoughts, “ my 2 and 5 year old will destroy this entire set in 2 minutes” I feel y’all pain 😭😂

[@yanalicious87]

🙌🏼🎊🎉 I’m sooo happy for the plaintiffs , they got more than what he kept, here’s to KARMA BABY❤️❤️❤️

[@xxjonnyblazexx]

Hol up, if the landlord didn’t send the letter within the time allowed by state, why did she not grant the couple the full amount? I get it, she’s the judge and can do what she wants, but why not?

[@marriejames01]

Ha! The Defendant being his true self cost him money. I’m glad he was taken to court. Why does a renter have to paint!?🙄

[@davidfaustino4476]

Lol why expect it would be in original condition? You had people living there for 8 years.. wear and tear homie... I absolutely LOATHE career landlords.. GET A REAL JOB.

[@BTURNER1961]

I really do like that statute whereby 'nickel and diming' gets treated as it deserves to be treated. If judges double the returned deposit then landlords will learn not to treat these cases to a simple cost/benefit analysis, calculating that very few renters will go to the trouble of going to court. it works under the same principle as somewhat contained version of punitive damages and that makes great public policy.

[@MrJohnblaine]

The husband plaintiff is soooooooo handsome

[@Ahhmisohornie]

Oof, this guy has some nerve.

[@Mm2k11]

The girl behind the defendant is a whole ass mood lol yasss girl

[@sdays59]

Glad they moved. Mold is definitely a foundational building issue.