FULL VIDEO AT THE END OF THIS POST
THIS EXCUSE DID NOT GO WELL IN COURT!
A Disputed Eviction Lands in Court
Imagine being accused of moving a "pig with a cat" into a staged home.
That is the situation Ms. Peterson faces in Judge Judy's courtroom.
The Parties and Their Claims
Ms. Peterson is the plaintiff.
She is suing for illegal eviction.
She also wants her security deposit back.
Ms. Sahagan is the defendant.
She is the former landlord.
Five Years of Tenancy
Ms. Peterson and two roommates rented a townhouse from Ms. Sahagan.
They were tenants for five years.
Judge Judy notes that Ms. Peterson paid her rent.
She also acknowledges Ms. Sahagan was a good landlord.
The Decision to Sell
Ms. Sahagan decided to sell her property.
She informed Ms. Peterson and her roommates.
The property needed to be fixed up and staged for sale.
Ms. Peterson's two roommates moved out.
They found other places to live.
Ms. Peterson's Request to Stay
Ms. Peterson wanted to stay.
Judge Judy states Ms. Peterson "begged" to stay.
Ms. Peterson denies begging.
She claims she would keep the place neat.
Judge Judy reads from Ms. Peterson's own complaint.
She notes her 71 years of life experience.
Judge Judy concludes there was an agreement.
Ms. Peterson would stay in her room.
The rest of the place would be perfect for showings.
Ms. Peterson agrees with this understanding.
The Staged House
The house was staged for sale.
Staging means making everything look nice.
Colors are coordinated.
Nice pictures are displayed.
Everything is made to look appealing to prospective buyers.
The Unexpected Departure
Ms. Peterson left the house on July 9th.
She claims it was for a family emergency.
Judge Judy dismisses the reason for leaving.
Ms. Peterson states it was for a funeral.
She left on July 9th, 2014.
The "Pig with a Cat"
Judge Judy then drops a bombshell.
She states Ms. Peterson moved in a "pig with a cat" when she left.
Ms. Peterson denies this.
Judge Judy asks if Ms. Peterson asked permission.
She asks if Ms. Peterson asked to move in this "pig and this cat."
Ms. Peterson did not ask.
An Extended Absence
Ms. Peterson was gone for almost two months.
She returned on August 26th.
The "pig and the cat" were left in the house.
Judge Judy points out the "pig and the cat" had no agreement with Ms. Sahagan.
They had no history of keeping the place clean.
Judge Judy asks if the "pig" paid any money.
Ms. Peterson says no.
Judge Judy asks if Ms. Peterson was letting him squat.
Ms. Peterson claims he was house-sitting.
Judge Judy refutes this.
She says Ms. Peterson had nothing to house-sit for.
Ms. Peterson states she had personal possessions there.
Judge Judy suggests she could have put them in storage.
The State of the Property
Judge Judy describes the condition of the house.
A prospective buyer would see kitty litter.
There would be beer cans around.
Stuff would be all over the place.
Ms. Peterson claims this was "staged by them."
Judge Judy questions if the kitty litter was staged.
She asks if other trash was scattered by them.
Judge Judy's Ruling on Eviction
Judge Judy tells Ms. Peterson she will not get money for an illegal eviction.
She states it is not happening.
Ms. Peterson insists her lease allows transient friends.
Judge Judy cuts her off.
She reiterates Ms. Peterson will get no money.
She will not get her security deposit back.
Ms. Peterson last paid rent in July.
She was there in August.
A Breach of Trust
Judge Judy explains her problem with Ms. Peterson's actions.