Landlord/Tenant

Plaintiff tenants filed suit alleging that defendant landlord wrongfully evicted them from their long-term residence. Plaintiff claimed that the owner move-in exception to the Rent Ordinance did not apply, as the defendant had an apartment elsewhere. Owner disputed all claims. Verdict for the defense.

Plaintiff tenant allegedly suffered injuries when he fell down stairs owned by landlord defendants and sustained a broken ankle requiring surgery. Plaintiff claimed the stairs were too steep, too shallow, and lacked a handrail, all of which made them hazardous and all of which the landlords knew. Landlords disputed liability and damages. The jury returned a defense verdict.

Group of plaintiff subtenants in a multiunit residential building sued master tenant defendant, alleging an illegal agreement with the property owner to evict plaintiffs from the property in exchange for forgiveness of master tenant’s back rent and termination of the master lease. Plaintiffs claimed tenancy and wrongful eviction. Defendant argued plaintiffs had no legal tenancy and must leave the premises. Settled at Mandatory Settlement Conference.