1 00:00:06,033 --> 00:00:08,700 [announcer] Previously on Tribunal Justice. 2 00:00:08,767 --> 00:00:13,633 The repairs were more than the normal wear and tear on the apartment. 3 00:00:13,700 --> 00:00:17,100 The amount of damage that was done were so significant. 4 00:00:17,767 --> 00:00:21,700 If I sound a little sharp right now, I am, because you were nickel-and-diming. 5 00:00:21,767 --> 00:00:24,633 If you think I'm just gonna sit here and let you be smug 6 00:00:24,700 --> 00:00:27,166 while you threatened violence, you are nuts. 7 00:00:27,233 --> 00:00:29,400 The two of you are like vinegar and oil. 8 00:00:29,467 --> 00:00:31,934 It escalates and escalates. 9 00:00:32,000 --> 00:00:35,533 ["Ride of the Valkyries" plays] 10 00:00:53,066 --> 00:00:56,900 [announcer] Today's case was filed in Long Beach, California. 11 00:00:56,967 --> 00:00:59,734 You're complaining that you didn't get appropriate notice 12 00:00:59,800 --> 00:01:03,834 pursuant to the California Rental Laws that your rent was going to go up. 13 00:01:03,900 --> 00:01:05,667 You didn't get 30-day notice. 14 00:01:05,734 --> 00:01:11,300 Therefore, you are suing her for all of that year's rent increase. 15 00:01:11,367 --> 00:01:14,266 However, I did see notice. 16 00:01:14,333 --> 00:01:15,734 I did see notice on the lease. 17 00:01:15,800 --> 00:01:19,567 I did see that you signed it and I did see that you paid it. 18 00:01:19,633 --> 00:01:22,967 There really is no remedy other than you moving out. 19 00:01:23,033 --> 00:01:26,667 No. Well, see, I've never got the opportunity to even consider that. 20 00:01:26,734 --> 00:01:28,767 So, I paid the rent. 21 00:01:28,834 --> 00:01:30,100 I was at work. 22 00:01:30,166 --> 00:01:32,934 As soon as the lease was up, she showed up the next--the next… 23 00:01:33,000 --> 00:01:35,300 - Right the next… - … with another one year lease. 24 00:01:35,366 --> 00:01:37,500 [Judge DiMango] You were home when she came to the house, right? 25 00:01:37,567 --> 00:01:39,467 - [Maria] Yeah. - What happened on that day? 26 00:01:39,533 --> 00:01:43,133 She just shows up and she normally calls me or texts me. 27 00:01:43,200 --> 00:01:46,100 And she just shows up and I open the door, let her in. 28 00:01:46,166 --> 00:01:48,700 And she was telling me that it went up 29 00:01:48,767 --> 00:01:52,433 that, uh, with the lease saying that, um-- 30 00:01:52,500 --> 00:01:54,533 well, basically, I felt like I needed to sign. 31 00:01:54,600 --> 00:01:56,200 Where else was I gonna go? I have my kids. 32 00:01:56,265 --> 00:01:57,800 So I had no choice and he wasn't there. 33 00:01:57,866 --> 00:02:00,467 - So I signed the paper. - [Judge DiMango] Okay. 34 00:02:00,533 --> 00:02:05,300 So, they're entitled to 30 days' notice that the rent is going to go up. 35 00:02:05,367 --> 00:02:08,300 However, you lived there for another year, didn't you? 36 00:02:08,366 --> 00:02:09,532 - [Juan] That's correct. - Yeah. Yes, because… 37 00:02:09,600 --> 00:02:11,300 - So… - … it's not easy to a find place… 38 00:02:11,367 --> 00:02:12,633 - [Judge DiMango] Well… - … and you can't just leave. 39 00:02:12,700 --> 00:02:14,000 [Judge DiMango] And--well, that's the point. 40 00:02:14,066 --> 00:02:15,900 - Uh-hmm. - The point is you got your 30-day notice. 41 00:02:15,967 --> 00:02:18,367 You've been there in a year. You never moved. 42 00:02:18,433 --> 00:02:19,767 You paid the increase, 43 00:02:19,834 --> 00:02:21,200 - which was the right thing to do. - [Maria] I did. 44 00:02:21,266 --> 00:02:22,700 I did the right thing and then we moved… 45 00:02:22,767 --> 00:02:23,934 - [Judge DiMango] And then you moved. - … prior. Yeah. 46 00:02:24,000 --> 00:02:27,934 But--so the reality is maybe you don't have to be responsible 47 00:02:28,000 --> 00:02:31,266 for the August 30-day increase because you didn't have the notice, 48 00:02:31,333 --> 00:02:35,233 but I don't see any other remedy after that 30-day period. 49 00:02:35,300 --> 00:02:36,367 - And she mailed it… - [Judge DiMango] But… 50 00:02:36,433 --> 00:02:37,500 … she said, and I told her I never got that. 51 00:02:37,567 --> 00:02:38,633 [Judge DiMango] That's the second thing that I was talking about. 52 00:02:38,700 --> 00:02:39,767 It's certified mail? 53 00:02:39,834 --> 00:02:40,966 [Judge DiMango] They didn't get that either. 54 00:02:41,767 --> 00:02:43,166 In mid-June, 55 00:02:43,233 --> 00:02:48,066 my assistant had posted the property and mailed it. 56 00:02:48,133 --> 00:02:49,600 [Judge DiMango] I don't have any evidence of that, 57 00:02:49,667 --> 00:02:52,834 but the bottom line is you and the post office have a problem. 58 00:02:52,900 --> 00:02:54,567 - Judge Levy. - [Judge Levy] Thank you. 59 00:02:54,633 --> 00:02:58,200 Um, you ma'am just testified that you didn't feel like you had any choice. 60 00:02:58,266 --> 00:03:04,000 Nothing prevented her from hitting you up either text or email, letting you know 61 00:03:04,066 --> 00:03:07,066 that for the upcoming rent for the one year lease, 62 00:03:07,133 --> 00:03:09,834 there's gonna be a $255 increase. 63 00:03:09,900 --> 00:03:11,600 Nothing prevented her from doing that, right? 64 00:03:11,667 --> 00:03:13,333 - [Maria] Uh-hmm. - Instead… 65 00:03:14,900 --> 00:03:16,367 … that's what she does at your house. 66 00:03:16,433 --> 00:03:17,767 - Uh-hmm. - [Judge Levy] You don't know what to do. 67 00:03:17,834 --> 00:03:18,900 - Uh-hmm. - [Judge Levy] You sign it. 68 00:03:18,966 --> 00:03:20,333 - Now you're stuck. - Uh-hmm. 69 00:03:20,400 --> 00:03:25,100 But when you're talking about being able to provide for your kids, it is personal. 70 00:03:25,166 --> 00:03:27,567 When you're a blue collar worker, right? 71 00:03:27,633 --> 00:03:28,700 - You work. - [Juan] Right. 72 00:03:28,767 --> 00:03:30,266 - [Judge Levy] Where do you work? - I work at Target. 73 00:03:30,333 --> 00:03:31,400 - [Judge Levy] Target. - Uh-hmm. 74 00:03:31,466 --> 00:03:33,100 [Judge Levy] Every dollar is important. 75 00:03:33,166 --> 00:03:36,333 So when someone is refusing to give you back the money 76 00:03:36,400 --> 00:03:40,100 that you know you're entitled to and they're trying to act sneaky, 77 00:03:40,166 --> 00:03:42,734 it has a tendency to get you upset. 78 00:03:42,800 --> 00:03:45,000 - Uh-hmm. - And there are certain people, 79 00:03:45,066 --> 00:03:48,100 types of people who know how to push your buttons 80 00:03:48,166 --> 00:03:52,367 and they push it and they push it and they push it until you explode. 81 00:03:53,300 --> 00:03:54,633 Boom, gotcha. 82 00:03:54,700 --> 00:03:56,966 So, with that in mind, let's take a look. 83 00:03:57,033 --> 00:03:58,867 A message, it was plaintiff's three. 84 00:03:58,934 --> 00:04:03,000 Messages sent of items needed to repair the property. 85 00:04:03,066 --> 00:04:05,700 - July 30th, 2021. - [Juan] Yes. 86 00:04:05,767 --> 00:04:07,967 [Judge Levy] Why don't you tell us about this document? 87 00:04:08,033 --> 00:04:10,166 We would have sent that to her. 88 00:04:10,233 --> 00:04:12,767 That was our initial list from when we first moved in. 89 00:04:12,834 --> 00:04:13,900 - And this is… - [Juan] The items… 90 00:04:13,967 --> 00:04:17,166 … a list of items that you said in July of 2021, 91 00:04:17,233 --> 00:04:19,399 - so you're just there like two weeks? - Yes. 92 00:04:19,466 --> 00:04:22,100 [Judge Levy] Several kitchen drawers need refurbishment. 93 00:04:22,166 --> 00:04:25,233 It's funny I could've sworn that she says that's what she wants you paying for. 94 00:04:25,300 --> 00:04:29,967 Bathroom tub edge, caulking, delamination. 95 00:04:30,033 --> 00:04:31,967 That's--actually, I wanted to bring that up. 96 00:04:32,033 --> 00:04:33,100 A matter of fact, that was what we paid for… 97 00:04:33,166 --> 00:04:34,567 [Judge Levy] But you forgot because you got too angry. 98 00:04:34,633 --> 00:04:35,834 Yes. 99 00:04:35,900 --> 00:04:38,633 Garage power outlet not secure. 100 00:04:38,700 --> 00:04:40,233 What's this? 101 00:04:40,300 --> 00:04:41,834 [Juan] That was when I moved out. 102 00:04:41,900 --> 00:04:44,100 Photo of the garage outlet that was never secured. 103 00:04:44,166 --> 00:04:45,400 No, but this can't be, 104 00:04:45,467 --> 00:04:46,900 because this is what she wants you to pay for. 105 00:04:46,967 --> 00:04:48,033 - [Michelle] No, it's not. - [Maria] Uh-hmm. 106 00:04:48,100 --> 00:04:51,033 [Judge Levy] But this is something that was broken in 2021. 107 00:04:51,100 --> 00:04:55,066 So all of these things you know were problems when you moved in 108 00:04:55,133 --> 00:04:57,834 and now, when you're trying to get your security back 109 00:04:57,900 --> 00:04:59,500 because you need that money for a new place, 110 00:04:59,567 --> 00:05:02,467 you need that money for your kids, she's not giving it to you 111 00:05:02,533 --> 00:05:06,633 and she's trying to gaslight you into thinking it's your fault. 112 00:05:06,700 --> 00:05:08,934 All those nickel-and-dime things. 113 00:05:09,000 --> 00:05:11,133 - She's needling you… - That's not true. 114 00:05:11,200 --> 00:05:12,934 [Judge Levy] … hoping to get that explosion. 115 00:05:13,000 --> 00:05:15,000 Now, does it work? 116 00:05:15,066 --> 00:05:16,266 - July 3rd? - [Juan] Yes. 117 00:05:16,332 --> 00:05:17,800 Yes, it does. 118 00:05:17,867 --> 00:05:20,567 These are the text messages that Judge Acker read, 119 00:05:20,633 --> 00:05:22,800 those really nasty ones that you sent. 120 00:05:22,867 --> 00:05:24,266 - This is what it says. - Right. 121 00:05:24,332 --> 00:05:26,667 Ms. Vargas, I just got out of the shower 122 00:05:26,734 --> 00:05:29,867 and barely finding out about you guys' argument. 123 00:05:29,934 --> 00:05:31,433 I want to know what's going on. 124 00:05:31,500 --> 00:05:33,600 I would like to know where my deposit is. 125 00:05:33,667 --> 00:05:35,266 - I've been patiently waiting. - [Maria] Uh-hmm. 126 00:05:35,332 --> 00:05:37,867 [Judge Levy] And then, no argument from me. 127 00:05:37,933 --> 00:05:40,800 He became violent in his attitude towards me. 128 00:05:40,867 --> 00:05:43,500 - Not he became physically violent… - [Maria] Yeah. 129 00:05:43,567 --> 00:05:45,700 [Judge Levy] … not that I was afraid for my safety. 130 00:05:45,767 --> 00:05:48,100 He became violent in his attitude. 131 00:05:48,166 --> 00:05:51,734 He wants a walk-through now, which isn't necessary or appropriate, 132 00:05:51,800 --> 00:05:53,266 blah, blah, blah. 133 00:05:53,332 --> 00:05:55,667 And then she says, I sent him an email. 134 00:05:55,734 --> 00:05:58,233 - [Maria] Uh-hmm. - You remember doing that, right? 135 00:05:58,300 --> 00:06:00,667 - [Michelle] Yes. - You violated the Order of Protection. 136 00:06:02,200 --> 00:06:04,667 [announcer] Coming up on Tribunal Justice. 137 00:06:04,734 --> 00:06:06,934 I acted the same way with the male judge in the restraining order. 138 00:06:07,000 --> 00:06:08,600 - [Judge Acker] No, no, no. - She testified to that. 139 00:06:08,667 --> 00:06:11,133 So it wasn't because you're a woman. 140 00:06:11,200 --> 00:06:14,266 Um, I don't know if you're single or not or any of that, you know. 141 00:06:14,333 --> 00:06:16,332 -[audience laughing] -[dramatic musical sting] 142 00:06:18,233 --> 00:06:19,967 [theme music plays] 143 00:06:20,033 --> 00:06:22,934 [announcer] Juan Cardenas is suing landlord Michelle Steuber 144 00:06:23,000 --> 00:06:25,332 for the return of his security deposit 145 00:06:25,400 --> 00:06:28,600 and for improper notification of a rent increase. 146 00:06:28,667 --> 00:06:31,133 Michelle says she was intimidated by Juan 147 00:06:31,200 --> 00:06:34,233 and is now countersuing for breach of contract, 148 00:06:34,300 --> 00:06:38,767 lost wages, and an overpayment on the security deposit. 149 00:06:38,834 --> 00:06:41,700 - You violated the Order of Protection. - No, I did not. 150 00:06:41,767 --> 00:06:42,933 - [Judge Levy] Yes, you did. - No, I didn't. 151 00:06:43,000 --> 00:06:44,767 The Order of Protection directs no contact. 152 00:06:44,834 --> 00:06:46,967 - [Michelle] That's not what it states. - Tell me what it says. 153 00:06:47,033 --> 00:06:49,400 It states he is not supposed to have contact with me. 154 00:06:49,467 --> 00:06:51,300 [Judge Levy] That's exactly right. And you know who knows that? 155 00:06:51,367 --> 00:06:53,100 - People who abuse the system. - [Michelle] No, Your Honor. 156 00:06:53,166 --> 00:06:54,500 - You know why? - People who abuse the system. 157 00:06:54,567 --> 00:06:55,900 Just understand something. 158 00:06:55,967 --> 00:06:58,066 I know full well what the order says. 159 00:06:58,133 --> 00:07:00,633 The order does apply one way. 160 00:07:00,700 --> 00:07:02,367 She is 100% right. 161 00:07:03,000 --> 00:07:05,967 So, people who are legitimately afraid for their safety 162 00:07:06,033 --> 00:07:08,266 go to court and get Orders of Protection, 163 00:07:08,333 --> 00:07:11,400 demanding that the people that they're afraid of have no contact 164 00:07:11,467 --> 00:07:14,033 - directly or indirectly. - [Maria] Uh-hmm. 165 00:07:14,100 --> 00:07:15,500 But she did it anyway. 166 00:07:15,567 --> 00:07:19,166 - Why? Because she wasn't afraid. - [Maria] Uh-hmm. 167 00:07:19,233 --> 00:07:25,200 What people like her do is minimize the legitimate cases of domestic violence. 168 00:07:25,266 --> 00:07:27,467 - How dare you. - [Judge Levy] That's what happens. 169 00:07:27,533 --> 00:07:31,332 To me, she just wanted an order against you so she had you. 170 00:07:31,400 --> 00:07:33,933 And you sir, because of your temper, gave her the reason. 171 00:07:34,000 --> 00:07:35,066 - [Juan] I ran into it. - [Maria] Uh-hmm. 172 00:07:35,133 --> 00:07:36,467 I have nothing further. 173 00:07:36,533 --> 00:07:38,300 The messages that I read were horrible. 174 00:07:38,367 --> 00:07:40,300 I think that they warranted your going to court. 175 00:07:40,367 --> 00:07:43,600 So, I actually don't think that that was inflated at all. 176 00:07:43,667 --> 00:07:45,867 - [Maria] It wasn't. - [Judge Acker] But my question to you is, 177 00:07:45,933 --> 00:07:51,332 if when you presented the lease with the increased rental amount 178 00:07:51,400 --> 00:07:54,567 and you were prepared to give them the 30-day grace period, 179 00:07:54,633 --> 00:07:56,000 why take the extra money then? 180 00:07:56,066 --> 00:07:59,133 Say, you know what, you didn't know, hold on to this $255… 181 00:07:59,200 --> 00:08:00,333 - [Maria] Uh-hmm. - … for this month, 182 00:08:00,400 --> 00:08:01,467 because you didn't do that. 183 00:08:01,533 --> 00:08:03,767 And if you knew you didn't give them the proper notice, 184 00:08:03,834 --> 00:08:08,133 why not on your own just say you have another 30 days under the old rent? 185 00:08:08,200 --> 00:08:11,100 I was under the belief that they did have proper notice. 186 00:08:11,166 --> 00:08:12,567 So I don't know. 187 00:08:12,633 --> 00:08:14,734 I never talked to Juan directly about it 188 00:08:14,800 --> 00:08:17,667 whether he actually got it possibly when it was posted. 189 00:08:17,734 --> 00:08:18,800 [Judge Acker] Well, I think the testimony… 190 00:08:18,867 --> 00:08:20,467 - I don't know but they… - [Judge Acker] … was that he didn't. 191 00:08:20,533 --> 00:08:22,166 … paid it right away and they were like, okay. 192 00:08:22,233 --> 00:08:23,433 [Judge Acker] Well, because you paid it. 193 00:08:23,500 --> 00:08:25,033 [Juan] No, I had already paid the rent. 194 00:08:25,100 --> 00:08:26,967 - Oh, then you paid the extra $255? - [Juan] Yes. 195 00:08:27,033 --> 00:08:29,100 Then I paid the $250 after her notification. 196 00:08:29,166 --> 00:08:30,233 - [Judge Acker] Right. And--right. - Correct. Via Zelle. 197 00:08:30,300 --> 00:08:32,033 - And I provided the documentation. - [Judge Acker] Yeah. 198 00:08:32,100 --> 00:08:35,866 So you didn't need to keep that $255 is simply my point. 199 00:08:35,933 --> 00:08:37,100 But I understand what you're saying, 200 00:08:37,165 --> 00:08:41,433 but I thought because Mr. Cardenas seems to like to throw around, 201 00:08:41,500 --> 00:08:42,900 I'm gonna sue you, I'm gonna do this, 202 00:08:42,967 --> 00:08:46,633 I didn't know if this was a game of his not to sign the lease 203 00:08:46,700 --> 00:08:49,233 way back when and just move out 204 00:08:49,300 --> 00:08:53,100 or that this was his thing of, well, I'm going to say I didn't get it, 205 00:08:53,165 --> 00:08:54,400 so I'm not going to pay it. 206 00:08:54,467 --> 00:08:56,800 [Judge Acker] So they tell you they're moving out. 207 00:08:56,867 --> 00:08:59,934 - Did you want them to stay? - I would've had them stay, yes. 208 00:09:00,066 --> 00:09:04,233 And that's why I'm so confused by him saying they're so uncomfortable there 209 00:09:04,300 --> 00:09:07,266 and they don't like it because Maria always told me she liked it there, 210 00:09:07,333 --> 00:09:11,066 - it was good, they paid on time. - Well, let me hear from Mr. Cardenas, 211 00:09:11,133 --> 00:09:14,033 because during the course of our last interaction, 212 00:09:14,100 --> 00:09:17,667 you made reference to all of these things 213 00:09:17,734 --> 00:09:19,433 - that kind of brought you to this point. - [Juan] Yes. 214 00:09:19,500 --> 00:09:21,166 - I stand by what I said. - I understand. 215 00:09:21,233 --> 00:09:22,500 [Judge Acker] I think it was inappropriate. 216 00:09:22,567 --> 00:09:25,133 I think that your behavior in this court toward me 217 00:09:25,200 --> 00:09:27,233 was disrespectful and inappropriate. 218 00:09:27,300 --> 00:09:31,000 I don't know if it's, uh, women you perceive to be too bossy. 219 00:09:31,066 --> 00:09:32,700 - I don't know what it is. - No, that's not fair. 220 00:09:32,767 --> 00:09:34,033 - [Judge Acker] No, no, no, no, no. - I acted the same way 221 00:09:34,100 --> 00:09:35,165 with the male judge in the restraining order. 222 00:09:35,233 --> 00:09:36,567 - [Judge Acker] No, no, no. - She testified to that. 223 00:09:36,633 --> 00:09:39,300 So it wasn't because you're a woman, 224 00:09:39,367 --> 00:09:43,233 um, I don't know if you're single or not or any of that, you know. 225 00:09:43,300 --> 00:09:45,100 - Yeah. So I'm not like… - [Judge Acker] No. 226 00:09:45,165 --> 00:09:46,700 - … single women… - No, no, no, no, no, no. 227 00:09:46,767 --> 00:09:49,734 - [Juan] … you know what I mean? - No, no, no, that wasn't my point. 228 00:09:49,800 --> 00:09:51,367 How old are your daughters? 229 00:09:51,433 --> 00:09:53,867 I have a 17-year-old, uh… 230 00:09:53,934 --> 00:09:56,533 Seven--seventeen, eleven. 231 00:09:56,600 --> 00:09:57,734 - And six. - Seven. 232 00:09:57,800 --> 00:09:59,133 - Seven? - Seven. 233 00:10:00,967 --> 00:10:02,233 - Yeah, I've… - [Judge Acker] I know. 234 00:10:02,300 --> 00:10:03,767 I'm gonna leave you with this. 235 00:10:03,834 --> 00:10:06,700 You need to model for your young women 236 00:10:06,767 --> 00:10:09,800 the way you want men to engage with them. 237 00:10:09,867 --> 00:10:12,166 I promise I'm not the first authority figure 238 00:10:12,233 --> 00:10:15,667 who you're going to engage whose trying to like see what they can see. 239 00:10:15,734 --> 00:10:19,200 It was important for me to see, like, is this an anomaly? 240 00:10:19,266 --> 00:10:24,200 Is this a guy who might threaten somebody into taking a deal she doesn't wanna take? 241 00:10:24,266 --> 00:10:26,900 So that's why I asked those questions. 242 00:10:26,967 --> 00:10:31,066 I really hope, pray, and trust that you are the kind of honorable man-- 243 00:10:31,133 --> 00:10:32,500 I see how she looks at you. 244 00:10:32,567 --> 00:10:33,800 - Seventeen years marriage. - [Judge Acker] So be that guy. 245 00:10:33,867 --> 00:10:36,834 Be that guy. And next time she does this… 246 00:10:38,433 --> 00:10:40,333 … I think that's your best course. 247 00:10:40,400 --> 00:10:42,233 - I do apologize. I wear my heart… - He's not that bad, I promise. 248 00:10:42,300 --> 00:10:43,500 - [Judge Acker] I… - He's not that bad. 249 00:10:43,567 --> 00:10:45,100 I wear my heart on my sleeve, 250 00:10:45,165 --> 00:10:48,834 and unfortunately once I get emotional, 251 00:10:48,900 --> 00:10:51,767 uh, my verbal skills break down. 252 00:10:51,834 --> 00:10:53,433 And although I raise my voice, 253 00:10:53,500 --> 00:10:57,867 it's not trying to speak over somebody or nothing, it just projects. 254 00:10:57,934 --> 00:10:59,066 He's passionate. 255 00:10:59,133 --> 00:11:00,600 [Judge Acker] I don't have anything else. 256 00:11:00,667 --> 00:11:02,467 [Judge Levy] I do. Uh, just a couple of things. 257 00:11:02,533 --> 00:11:04,333 Take a look, please, ma'am. 258 00:11:04,400 --> 00:11:06,100 Page 89. 259 00:11:06,166 --> 00:11:09,000 And you got to explain to me why you sent this. 260 00:11:09,066 --> 00:11:10,400 Directly to me. 261 00:11:10,467 --> 00:11:11,667 - [Judge Levy] Directly to you? - Yes, my email. 262 00:11:11,734 --> 00:11:13,734 - Uh-hmm. To him. - Directly to you? 263 00:11:13,800 --> 00:11:16,600 Michelle Steuber, 11:28 AM. 264 00:11:16,667 --> 00:11:19,767 "Dear Juan, pay me $2,500." 265 00:11:19,834 --> 00:11:23,133 By the way, this is after the Order of Protection… 266 00:11:23,200 --> 00:11:24,333 Would you like to know, Your Honor? 267 00:11:24,400 --> 00:11:26,400 [Judge Levy] Hold on, I'm not done reading. 268 00:11:26,467 --> 00:11:28,433 "Pay me 2,500 bucks. 269 00:11:28,500 --> 00:11:31,066 This is to compensate me for discounts 270 00:11:31,133 --> 00:11:35,200 given on your security deposit accounting and errors of omission. 271 00:11:35,266 --> 00:11:37,967 Since you cashed the checks and then disputed 272 00:11:38,033 --> 00:11:40,333 the accounting via a small claims matter, 273 00:11:40,400 --> 00:11:44,567 this amount will also compensate me for time lost from work 274 00:11:44,633 --> 00:11:49,567 to seek the restraining order which was granted July 26th, 2023." 275 00:11:49,633 --> 00:11:53,333 The way I read that, you give me $2,500 276 00:11:53,400 --> 00:11:56,367 and then this is done, Orders of Protection are done. 277 00:11:56,433 --> 00:11:58,000 I let you go on your way. 278 00:11:58,066 --> 00:12:01,567 You don't pay $2,500 and you're gonna keep dealing with me, 279 00:12:01,633 --> 00:12:03,300 and I got you right where I want you. 280 00:12:03,367 --> 00:12:04,667 - Does that make sense? - Uh-hmm. Yes. 281 00:12:04,734 --> 00:12:07,500 Yes. I felt she was eliciting a response whether it'd be negative or positive. 282 00:12:07,567 --> 00:12:09,900 - Did you respond to that? - [Juan] No, I told my wife… 283 00:12:09,967 --> 00:12:11,900 And you know who--and you know who would've responded to that? 284 00:12:11,967 --> 00:12:13,233 - An idiot. - [Judge Levy] A nutball. 285 00:12:13,300 --> 00:12:15,600 - Yeah. - [Judge Levy] A real violent person. 286 00:12:15,667 --> 00:12:18,900 So Your Honor, how was I supposed to comply 287 00:12:18,967 --> 00:12:23,467 with California law to file a cross-complaint where it's… 288 00:12:23,533 --> 00:12:24,867 She's a tenant too, right? 289 00:12:24,934 --> 00:12:29,166 But she's not the party suing me. 290 00:12:29,233 --> 00:12:31,867 She's not who I am countersuing. 291 00:12:31,934 --> 00:12:35,367 To put the letter to her would be inappropriate 292 00:12:35,433 --> 00:12:38,767 because he is the one who called the two options against me. 293 00:12:38,834 --> 00:12:41,500 He's the one who did the restraining order against me. 294 00:12:41,567 --> 00:12:43,100 That is the only reason I did it. 295 00:12:43,165 --> 00:12:46,033 Do you have a TRO? You filed a TRO against her? 296 00:12:46,100 --> 00:12:47,300 [Juan] Uh, a restraining order. 297 00:12:47,367 --> 00:12:48,467 - [Judge Acker] A restraining order. - Yes. 298 00:12:48,533 --> 00:12:51,000 [Judge Acker] What was the basis of the restraining order you filed against her? 299 00:12:51,066 --> 00:12:54,233 Uh, harassment. Again, I felt that she was eliciting a response 300 00:12:54,300 --> 00:12:57,867 that would have put me in violation of the restraining order. 301 00:12:57,934 --> 00:13:02,000 So the basis of your restraining order was that she sent this email 302 00:13:02,066 --> 00:13:04,633 seeking the $2,500 payment. 303 00:13:04,700 --> 00:13:06,500 - Did you get your restraining order? - It was denied. 304 00:13:06,567 --> 00:13:07,633 - [Judge Acker] It was denied? - Yes. 305 00:13:07,700 --> 00:13:08,767 - [Judge Acker] Thank you. - [Judge DiMango] All right, then. 306 00:13:08,834 --> 00:13:10,800 Thank you very much. We're gonna retire to deliberate. 307 00:13:10,867 --> 00:13:13,233 - Thank you. - Court is now in recess. 308 00:13:13,300 --> 00:13:14,767 You guys may step outside. 309 00:13:15,667 --> 00:13:18,333 [announcer] Coming up on Tribunal Justice. 310 00:13:18,400 --> 00:13:20,834 This man is a hard-working man who felt personally offended 311 00:13:20,900 --> 00:13:23,233 by her self-righteous indignation. 312 00:13:23,300 --> 00:13:25,367 He just didn't help himself. He couldn't help himself. 313 00:13:25,433 --> 00:13:27,867 - I know, but-- - Respectfully, I feel like 314 00:13:27,934 --> 00:13:29,467 you're trying to sanitize the behavior. 315 00:13:29,533 --> 00:13:31,133 [dramatic musical sting] 316 00:13:33,000 --> 00:13:35,233 [dramatic musical sting] 317 00:13:35,300 --> 00:13:39,300 I believe that the plaintiff has made out his burden 318 00:13:39,367 --> 00:13:41,834 with respect to the return of the security deposit. 319 00:13:41,900 --> 00:13:44,400 There was nothing in the photographs suggesting otherwise. 320 00:13:45,100 --> 00:13:49,266 As far as the countersuit goes, I believe it needs to be dismissed. 321 00:13:49,333 --> 00:13:52,433 There's no basis, I believe, based upon these facts 322 00:13:52,500 --> 00:13:56,100 that would support the defendant's request 323 00:13:56,165 --> 00:13:59,000 for $1,500 for going to court, 324 00:13:59,066 --> 00:14:01,166 for the filing of the OP, 325 00:14:01,233 --> 00:14:03,200 for the trips to the court, 326 00:14:03,266 --> 00:14:07,667 for parking, for the painting inside of kitchen cabinets, or any of the like. 327 00:14:07,734 --> 00:14:10,967 I mean, when I saw that piece about the chipped paint 328 00:14:11,033 --> 00:14:13,066 because women wear fake nails, 329 00:14:13,133 --> 00:14:14,967 I could not believe she actually put that. 330 00:14:15,033 --> 00:14:16,233 That was her evidence. 331 00:14:16,300 --> 00:14:18,734 That to me really said it all. 332 00:14:18,800 --> 00:14:22,233 And so I don't believe that she has even come close. 333 00:14:22,300 --> 00:14:27,667 And as far as the B case which is his request for $3,060 334 00:14:27,734 --> 00:14:32,000 representing the refund for 12 months of the overcharged rent, 335 00:14:32,066 --> 00:14:33,767 I think that needs to be dismissed. 336 00:14:33,834 --> 00:14:35,834 Uh, I'll start there first with the B. 337 00:14:35,900 --> 00:14:37,367 I completely agree with you. 338 00:14:37,433 --> 00:14:39,033 Even if there was a remedy, 339 00:14:39,100 --> 00:14:42,066 the only remedy would be the one month as you pointed out, Pat. 340 00:14:42,133 --> 00:14:43,800 So I would dismiss that. 341 00:14:43,867 --> 00:14:48,233 On the A case, with respect to the plaintiff's claim 342 00:14:48,300 --> 00:14:52,233 for the return of their security deposit, they absolutely should get it all back. 343 00:14:52,300 --> 00:14:57,033 As I said out there, his bad behavior does not give her the right to say, 344 00:14:57,100 --> 00:14:59,967 "I'm gonna charge you for something that clearly isn't your fault." 345 00:15:00,100 --> 00:15:03,867 I mean, I had this issue with a sink kind of breaking away 346 00:15:03,934 --> 00:15:06,033 from the wall when it's not bolted properly. 347 00:15:06,100 --> 00:15:09,100 We ultimately got testimony from her handyman 348 00:15:09,166 --> 00:15:11,533 that he'd worked with the sink and moved the sink. 349 00:15:11,600 --> 00:15:13,200 There's no evidence that they did anything. 350 00:15:13,266 --> 00:15:15,166 She was quite overreaching. 351 00:15:15,233 --> 00:15:17,734 So I would join that. They should prevail. 352 00:15:17,800 --> 00:15:19,834 I'll start with the B case as well. 353 00:15:19,900 --> 00:15:21,934 I wanna give her back the one month, the 30 days. 354 00:15:22,000 --> 00:15:23,400 I think they were entitled to notice. 355 00:15:23,467 --> 00:15:27,100 I think that they paid the $255 August rent 356 00:15:27,166 --> 00:15:28,300 because they did not-- 357 00:15:28,367 --> 00:15:29,633 - clearly did not have notice. - Oh, yeah. You're right. I'm sorry. 358 00:15:29,700 --> 00:15:31,500 - Yes, yes. - I wanna give her back that. 359 00:15:31,567 --> 00:15:34,000 [Judge Levy] So if I understand you then, the judgment then on case B 360 00:15:34,066 --> 00:15:36,633 would be for $255 one month's overpayment? 361 00:15:36,700 --> 00:15:37,767 - Correct. - Correct. 362 00:15:37,834 --> 00:15:38,900 - Okay. - Correct. 363 00:15:38,967 --> 00:15:40,033 With regard to case A, 364 00:15:40,100 --> 00:15:42,433 once again, I think that they are certainly entitled 365 00:15:42,500 --> 00:15:45,367 to the full refund of their security deposit. 366 00:15:45,433 --> 00:15:47,467 I think that she really fell short. 367 00:15:47,533 --> 00:15:50,800 And anything that they didn't do was because she prevented it 368 00:15:50,867 --> 00:15:53,033 by her actions and her words. 369 00:15:53,100 --> 00:15:54,867 You know, listen, I mean, it was pretty clear. 370 00:15:54,934 --> 00:15:57,967 This man is a hardworking man who felt personally offended 371 00:15:58,033 --> 00:16:00,166 by her self-righteous indignation. 372 00:16:00,233 --> 00:16:01,734 And that's the kind of personality… 373 00:16:01,800 --> 00:16:03,033 - He just didn't help himself. - … that he has. 374 00:16:03,100 --> 00:16:04,300 - He couldn't help himself. - I know but… 375 00:16:04,367 --> 00:16:05,467 - Respectfully… - [Judge DiMango] Yeah. 376 00:16:05,533 --> 00:16:06,600 - [Judge Levy] Yeah. - You were--I feel like 377 00:16:06,667 --> 00:16:08,834 - you're trying to sanitize the behavior. - No, I'm not. I'm not. 378 00:16:08,900 --> 00:16:09,967 I feel like you're sanitizing the behavior. 379 00:16:10,033 --> 00:16:11,734 I'm not really--he was--I said it to him. 380 00:16:11,800 --> 00:16:13,266 - It was awful and it was wrong. - [Judge Levy] We can understand it, 381 00:16:13,333 --> 00:16:14,533 - but not justifying it… - Exactly. 382 00:16:14,600 --> 00:16:15,667 … in any way. 383 00:16:15,734 --> 00:16:18,567 In any way. Even with me trying to get him to stop. 384 00:16:18,633 --> 00:16:20,567 - Right. - [Judge Levy] He couldn't help himself. 385 00:16:20,633 --> 00:16:24,166 And that's going to unfortunately be his downfall 386 00:16:24,233 --> 00:16:25,567 unless he can get that under control. 387 00:16:25,633 --> 00:16:26,700 Me--because I handled it pretty gingerly… 388 00:16:26,767 --> 00:16:28,166 - I [indistinct]. - … in the beginning. 389 00:16:28,233 --> 00:16:29,967 And that's why he didn't have the same attitude. 390 00:16:30,033 --> 00:16:32,333 And, uh, he didn't have the same attitude with you 391 00:16:32,400 --> 00:16:34,100 because you didn't read his words to him, 392 00:16:34,165 --> 00:16:36,300 and he didn't like hearing his words from me 393 00:16:36,367 --> 00:16:39,734 and accused me of agitating him and really was out of control. 394 00:16:39,800 --> 00:16:43,266 So I don't think we're just talking about a good guy who had a bad day, 395 00:16:43,333 --> 00:16:44,800 but I think we have our verdict. 396 00:16:44,867 --> 00:16:46,567 - I think we do as well. - Super. Thank you. 397 00:16:46,867 --> 00:16:49,533 [dramatic musical sting] 398 00:16:49,600 --> 00:16:51,066 Court is back in session. 399 00:16:51,133 --> 00:16:53,533 All parties are reminded that you're still under oath. 400 00:16:53,600 --> 00:16:54,867 We've reached a verdict. 401 00:16:55,667 --> 00:16:57,233 We're gonna start with the B case. 402 00:16:57,300 --> 00:17:02,500 Mr. Cardenas, your B case in which you requested $3,060 403 00:17:02,567 --> 00:17:08,367 representing a refund for 12 months of an overcharged rent of $255 a month. 404 00:17:08,433 --> 00:17:13,666 We are unanimous in that you shall receive $255 405 00:17:13,733 --> 00:17:17,700 represents one month of that overcharged payment. 406 00:17:17,767 --> 00:17:19,767 Moving now to case A. 407 00:17:19,834 --> 00:17:25,066 With respect to the countersuit for $2,500, that is dismissed. 408 00:17:25,133 --> 00:17:27,700 And that is the unanimous verdict of the court. 409 00:17:27,767 --> 00:17:30,633 As far as the original case, 410 00:17:30,700 --> 00:17:35,800 the one in which you filed, sir, for $1,289, 411 00:17:35,867 --> 00:17:38,433 the return of your security deposit, 412 00:17:38,500 --> 00:17:40,834 we believe that you have met your burden, 413 00:17:40,900 --> 00:17:43,500 that there was no evidence, 414 00:17:43,567 --> 00:17:46,033 testimony offered by either the defendant 415 00:17:46,100 --> 00:17:50,834 or her employee to suggest that you or you 416 00:17:50,900 --> 00:17:55,433 or your children caused any type of damage above regular wear and tear. 417 00:17:55,500 --> 00:17:59,166 None. Mr. Cardenas, it is the unanimous verdict of the court 418 00:17:59,233 --> 00:18:02,467 that you are to receive $1,289, 419 00:18:02,533 --> 00:18:05,667 the total return of your security deposit. 420 00:18:05,734 --> 00:18:10,333 Also, $255 of that overcharged payment. 421 00:18:10,400 --> 00:18:12,133 That's the verdict of the court. 422 00:18:12,200 --> 00:18:14,233 - Thank you. - [gavel bangs] 423 00:18:14,300 --> 00:18:15,900 [Cassandra] This case has concluded. 424 00:18:15,967 --> 00:18:17,567 All parties are excused. 425 00:18:17,633 --> 00:18:20,567 [theme music plays] 426 00:18:20,633 --> 00:18:24,100 She told me that I was delusional if I would be getting-- 427 00:18:24,166 --> 00:18:25,934 I thought I was getting a hundred percent of my deposit back. 428 00:18:26,000 --> 00:18:27,066 Well, guess what. 429 00:18:27,133 --> 00:18:28,667 I got a hundred percent of my deposit back. 430 00:18:28,734 --> 00:18:30,700 And I think it was a very slanted decision. 431 00:18:30,767 --> 00:18:33,967 Once, you know, my anger got to me, 432 00:18:34,033 --> 00:18:37,166 there's nothing but F-bombs and I said a lot of nasty things. 433 00:18:37,233 --> 00:18:39,800 It sounded like he was going to make sure that I died 434 00:18:39,867 --> 00:18:41,800 and my dog would be left there with me. 435 00:18:41,867 --> 00:18:43,066 It was the wrong thing. 436 00:18:43,133 --> 00:18:44,934 Obviously I got a restraining order placed against me, 437 00:18:45,000 --> 00:18:46,667 but it felt like it was the right thing to do. 438 00:18:46,734 --> 00:18:49,900 I hope that I never have to see this gentleman ever in my life again. 439 00:18:49,967 --> 00:18:53,767 I know him very well, so he is not what she says he is. 440 00:18:54,033 --> 00:18:55,900 [announcer] Are you being sued? 441 00:18:55,967 --> 00:18:59,033 Let Tribunal Justice decide your case. 442 00:18:59,100 --> 00:19:03,467 Find us on social media at Tribunal Justice. 443 00:19:03,533 --> 00:19:06,633 ["Ride of the Valkyries" plays]