FULL VIDEO AT THE END OF THE POST
Property Management Sues Tenant
Mr. Reel represented a property management company.
He sued Miss Williams.
Miss Williams was a tenant in a duplex unit.
Mr. Reel sought unpaid rent from Miss Williams.
He also claimed damages for bleach on the carpet.
Lease Agreement Details
Mr. Reel testified about the lease.
Miss Williams signed a one-year lease.
The lease began on February 17th, 2014.
The rent was $550 per month.
Miss Williams was the sole tenant.
Initial Rent Payments
Miss Williams paid rent in February 2014.
She also paid rent in March 2014.
April 2014 rent was paid.
May 2014 rent was paid.
June Rent and Car Break-in
Miss Williams did not pay rent in June 2014.
She explained that her car was broken into.
This incident occurred in front of the apartment complex.
Her purse and its contents were taken.
Mr. Reel acknowledged she was playing catch-up in July.
He described her as a responsible tenant for the most part.
First Burglary Incident
On August 19th, 2014, a window was broken.
This window was in Miss Williams' apartment.
Mr. Reel's team repaired the window.
Another window was broken in the other side of the duplex.
This happened on the same date.
Mr. Reel did not know if the other unit was burglarized.
Second Burglary and Apartment Trashed
On August 20th, 2014, a second incident occurred.
Miss Williams notified Mr. Reel about it.
There was forced entry through the same back window.
Miss Williams returned home around 8:30 AM.
She found her apartment completely trashed.
Many items were stolen during this burglary.
Tenant Requests Lease Release
Miss Williams immediately contacted Mr. Reel.
She requested to be released from her lease.
She no longer felt safe in the apartment.
Judge Judy noted she would also want to be released.
Living in the Burglarized Apartment
Miss Williams had nowhere else to go.
She continued to live in the apartment.
She stayed there with her children.
She rectified the mess from the burglary.
She lived there until September 30th.
On September 30th, she moved into a new apartment.
Mr. Reel's Release Condition
Mr. Reel offered Miss Williams an option.
He suggested she contact the prosecutor's office.
In their city, victims of crime could request lease release.
The prosecutor's office would contact the landlord.
Mr. Reel wanted her to be proactive.
He said he would release her based on that.
Judge Judy's Immediate Decision
Judge Judy interrupted Mr. Reel.
She stated, "I'm releasing her."
She found the situation unacceptable.
She would not want to live in such an apartment.
The apartment was burglarized.
It was also attempted to be burglarized the day before.
Judge Judy emphasized the lack of security.
Bleach Damage Claim
Mr. Reel's sworn complaint mentioned bleach.
He claimed bleach was poured on brand new carpet.
This implied Miss Williams caused the damage.
He sought compensation for this damage.
Miss Williams Denies Bleach Damage
Miss Williams denied pouring any bleach.
She stated there was bleach on the carpet when she moved in.
She informed Mr. Reel about this existing stain.
She showed him the stain.
Contradiction Regarding Bleach
Judge Judy questioned Mr. Reel about the bleach.
Mr. Reel acknowledged a bleach stain in the master bedroom.
He knew about it when Miss Williams moved in.
This was documented by third-party contractor bids.
Email correspondence also supported this.
New Bleach Found After Vacating
Mr. Reel testified about a later discovery.
On October 5th, his team inspected the apartment.
They found bleach poured "everywhere."
This was after Miss Williams had moved out.
Judge Judy Dismisses Bleach Claim
Judge Judy considered the bleach claim.
Mr. Reel's prior knowledge of a stain was crucial.
His complaint stated bleach on brand new carpet.
This contradicted his admission of a pre-existing stain.
Miss Williams denied causing any new bleach damage.
The claim for bleach damage was dismissed.
Discussion of Renter's Insurance
Miss Williams mentioned a counterclaim.
She sought compensation for items stolen during the burglary.
Judge Judy clarified that Mr. Reel was not responsible.
She explained that renter's insurance covers such losses.
She advised Miss Williams to get renter's insurance.
Security and Negligence
Miss Williams argued about prior knowledge.
She felt Mr. Reel should have told her about the prior robbery.
Judge Judy explained the landlord's responsibility.
A landlord is not responsible for a burglary.
The building did not have a doorman or concierge.
It lacked a security network before entering the premises.
Negligence would need to be demonstrated.
This would require a promise of security that was not provided.
Final Verdict and Outcome
Judge Judy released Miss Williams from her lease.
Miss Williams was not responsible for remaining rent.
Mr. Reel's claim for bleach damages was dismissed.
This was due to his prior knowledge of a stain.
Miss Williams' denial also played a role.
Judge Judy strongly advised Miss Williams to get renter's insurance.