LANDLORD-TENANT / HABITABILITY
REPRESENTATIVE CASES
- Tenant complained to landlord about front burner on electric stove that quickly became very hot. Landlord failed to replace it. Tenant eventually used that burner to cook steaks for a special occasion. Within a few seconds after turning the burner off and removing the steak, materials in the pan ignited. When he put the pan in oven to put out the fire, he sustained severe burns on his dominant hand. Skin grafts and follow up surgery required.
- Plaintiffs were exposed to lead at multi-unit apartment building. Minor child developed significant health problems. Prior and current owner named as defendants. Current owner claimed it purchased building not knowing about issue and cross-complained against realtor and others for not providing adequate disclosures.
- Multiple tenants sued real estate investment firm/owner of large-scale apartment complex claiming rodent and insect infestation and plumbing and mold problems.
- Plaintiffs sought damages for emotional distress due to long term exposure to beg bugs, cockroaches and rodents in condominium and did not pay rent for many months. Defendant asserted that it made good faith attempts to rectify situation and claimed plaintiffs were partially responsible.
- Several elderly and disabled tenants living in upper floors of old hotel converted into low-income housing complained about unreliable elevator.
- Wrongful eviction and conversion claims made against landlord who locked-out wife of tenant who, before his death, did not add her to Section 8 housing lease. Defendant claimed it was not aware decedent was married.
- Tenant, who was not permitted to return to rent-controlled apartment due to fire/water damage, claimed landlord failed to pay for relocation and come up with habitability plan.