Judge Judy declared that if the report did not specifically write "mold," she would not entertain that part of the case.
She emphasized that she was a layperson regarding construction.
She observed the pictures showed what appeared to be mold all over the house.
Yet, the contractor redoing the house did not mention it in his report.
Judge Rejects Unofficial Documentation
Ms. Brockner attempted to present a letter.
Judge Judy immediately rejected it.
She stated she does not accept letters as evidence in that format.
Ms. Brockner clarified it was an itemized list, not a letter.
Judge Judy reiterated her stance.
She explained that a proper contractor's report should be on stationery.
It should include an itemized receipt with the contractor's name and license number.
She again demanded to see where "mold and mold remediation" were explicitly stated.
She pointed out that the word "mold" was not used in the report.
Judge Judy concluded that if the contractor did not use the word "mold," he was not a very good contractor.
Hearsay and Lack of Evidence for Marijuana Claim
Ms. Brockner tried to explain the contractor's actions.
She suggested the sheetrock replacement was due to mold.
Judge Judy stopped her, stating the contractor was not present to testify.
She would not accept Ms. Brockner's interpretation of the contractor's reasons.
The judge also addressed the claim of marijuana cultivation.
She asked Ms. Brockner if she had pictures of the alleged lights.
Ms. Brockner stated the lights were left in the shed outside.
However, she did not provide any pictures of these lights.
Tenant Presents Text Messages About Mold
Mr. Bowie then presented text messages as evidence.
These messages were between him and Ms. Brockner.
He claimed they discussed the mold issue.
One message from Mr. Bowie asked, "When are those guys coming back to do this?"
He added, "I've been washing my dishes in the bathtub."
Ms. Brockner's reply stated, "They are regretfully booked until at least mid-next week."
Mr. Bowie's subsequent message directly addressed the mold.
He wrote, "I told you about the mold a long time ago."
He continued, "I want it done right if it was done right the first time. This wouldn't have been an issue."
He also mentioned, "I have a baby on the way."
Landlord's Contradiction on Mold Notification
Ms. Brockner claimed she was unaware of the mold.
She stated Mr. Bowie never told her about any issue for two years.
Mr. Bowie's text messages directly contradicted this claim.
The messages clearly showed he had informed her about the mold "a long time ago."
He also expressed frustration that the issue was not resolved properly.
Ms. Brockner tried to dismiss the text messages.
She suggested the conversation would show an invitation to visit the house.
She claimed Mr. Bowie had locks on the doors when people were there.
Judge Judy did not accept this explanation.
Case Dismissed Due to Landlord's Responsibility
Judge Judy reviewed the text message exchange.
She noted Mr. Bowie's clear communication about the mold.
She concluded that Ms. Brockner had mold in her house.
The judge stated Ms. Brockner should have taken care of it.
She found that Ms. Brockner was aware of the mold issue.
The judge dismissed Ms. Brockner's case.
Mr. Bowie's counterclaim was also addressed.
Judge Judy stated he was not responsible for redoing the house.
He was also not required to pay for cleaning up the rubbish.
The judge believed the tenants lived with mold.
She concluded that Ms. Brockner should have addressed the mold issue earlier.