Running Away On Rent | The People's Court

Summary

In a small claims court case, plaintiff Tyler Henshaw sues his former roommate George Nation for unpaid rent and utilities totaling $1,396.60. Tyler alleges George stole from him and moved out without paying. George counters that he was in an accident with Tyler, who agreed not to sue for medical costs in exchange for rent forgiveness. The judge awards Tyler $1,350, including three months' rent and utilities, highlighting the importance of clear agreements and timely rent payment.

Takeaways

• 🏠 Tyler and George were college roommates who agreed to share an apartment for the summer.
• 💸 Tyler claims George never paid rent or utilities, amounting to $1,396.60, and stole from him.
• 🚗 George argues that he was in a car accident while Tyler was driving, and they agreed he wouldn't pay rent in exchange for not suing over the accident.
• 🤝 Initially, Tyler and George were friends, but their relationship soured over the unpaid rent and other issues.
• 🗓️ George lived in the apartment for over two months without paying rent, as per Tyler's claim.
• 📱 George moved out after an argument with Tyler and took some of his belongings, including a PlayStation 3.
• 🔐 There's a dispute over whether George stole Tyler's car keys or if they were simply misplaced.
• 💼 Both roommates were college students, studying different fields such as communication, advertising, accounting, and engineering.
• 🏥 George suffered minor back injuries from the car accident and was in physical therapy.
• 📝 The court ruled in favor of Tyler, ordering George to pay three months' rent and utilities, totaling $1,350.

Q & A

What is the main dispute between Tyler Henshaw and George Nation?

Tyler Henshaw is suing George Nation for unpaid rent and utilities, amounting to $1,396.60, as well as accusing him of theft by taking his PlayStation 3.

How long did George Nation live with Tyler Henshaw without paying rent?

George Nation lived with Tyler Henshaw for just over two months without paying rent.

What was the agreed-upon rent amount that George Nation was supposed to pay Tyler Henshaw?

The agreed-upon rent amount was $350 per month, plus a flat rate of $100 for utilities.

What was George Nation's defense for not paying rent?

George Nation claimed that he had an agreement with Tyler Henshaw that he wouldn't have to pay rent in exchange for not suing him over a car accident where George was injured.

What happened to Tyler Henshaw's PlayStation 3 according to the script?

Tyler Henshaw took George Nation's PlayStation 3 as collateral for the unpaid rent, but George denies taking Tyler's car keys which Tyler claims are missing.

What was the condition of George Nation after the car accident?

George Nation suffered minor back injuries and had to go to the hospital after the car accident.

How does the judge decide on the rent owed by George Nation?

The judge decides that George Nation owes 3 months of rent ($1,050) and 3 months of utilities ($300), totaling $1,350, despite Tyler Henshaw's initial claim of $1,396.60.

What was the judge's reasoning for awarding more than the plaintiff asked for?

The judge awards more than asked because when someone stays part of a month, that whole month counts towards the rent.

What was the final verdict of the court?

The court ruled in favor of Tyler Henshaw, the plaintiff, and ordered George Nation to pay $1,350 for the rent and utilities.

How does the judge address the issue of the car accident in relation to the rent dispute?

The judge states that the car accident and potential lawsuit against the insurance company are separate issues from the rent dispute and should not be conflated.

What was the judge's opinion on the roommate situation and the expectation of rent payment?

The judge implies that if someone is living with you and not paying rent, you can only sue them for what is due, not for future rent, and suggests that rent should be collected at the beginning of the month.