S
sopawdi1
Guest
What is the name of your state? California
I filed a small claims case against my former landlords for the return of my security deposit. Please note that I had been a tenant of theirs for over 10 years. I gave the proper 30 day notice to vacate because I was finally able to afford a home instead of renting. On the day I moved, I took pictures of EVERYTHING in this unit. Also, the landlords refused to do a walk-thru with me. Instead they send me a 'Final Disposition of Security Deposit' claiming all sorts of damage that are totally untrue. I sent them a certified letter, per their instruction, disputing these charges, to which I have pictures showing no damage, but, they NEVER picked up the letter (Post Office attempted 3 different times to deliver this).
I went to court today and was astounded by the procedure followed by the Judge. To begin with, the judge NEVER asked me to present my case and explain why I was suing. Instead, he went straight to the defendants, asking them to show proof of repairs and costs. The defendants gave him a copy of a receipt for carpet and linoleum. The judge focused solely on the carpet and not on any other damages they were claiming. I might add, the receipt they showed the judge was for the replacement of carpeting in 2 units. Not once did the judge acknowledge me. He then asked the defendants why they were not filing a countersuit??? When they told him they didn't want to cause a hardship on me, the judge said "Alright.....judgement for the defendant". At that point, I said, "Excuse me, your Honor. I have pictures showing no damages as they are claiming." He said "I don't want to hear it. Judgement for the defendant".
I am SO dismayed by our judicial system because now I do not have any recourse. Can ANYONE give me advice?
I filed a small claims case against my former landlords for the return of my security deposit. Please note that I had been a tenant of theirs for over 10 years. I gave the proper 30 day notice to vacate because I was finally able to afford a home instead of renting. On the day I moved, I took pictures of EVERYTHING in this unit. Also, the landlords refused to do a walk-thru with me. Instead they send me a 'Final Disposition of Security Deposit' claiming all sorts of damage that are totally untrue. I sent them a certified letter, per their instruction, disputing these charges, to which I have pictures showing no damage, but, they NEVER picked up the letter (Post Office attempted 3 different times to deliver this).
I went to court today and was astounded by the procedure followed by the Judge. To begin with, the judge NEVER asked me to present my case and explain why I was suing. Instead, he went straight to the defendants, asking them to show proof of repairs and costs. The defendants gave him a copy of a receipt for carpet and linoleum. The judge focused solely on the carpet and not on any other damages they were claiming. I might add, the receipt they showed the judge was for the replacement of carpeting in 2 units. Not once did the judge acknowledge me. He then asked the defendants why they were not filing a countersuit??? When they told him they didn't want to cause a hardship on me, the judge said "Alright.....judgement for the defendant". At that point, I said, "Excuse me, your Honor. I have pictures showing no damages as they are claiming." He said "I don't want to hear it. Judgement for the defendant".
I am SO dismayed by our judicial system because now I do not have any recourse. Can ANYONE give me advice?