The People's Court Season 22 Episode 174 Mistreating A Tenant

As the 22nd season of The People's Court rolls on, episode 174 features a familiar kind of dispute: landlord vs tenant. In Mistreating A Tenant, presiding judge Marilyn Milian tries to untangle the mess that has come about from a rental disagreement with a woman who claims her landlord is not performing basic upkeep and maintenance on her apartment.

The plaintiff, Rachel, presents a strong case: her apartment was infested with roaches, had leaks in multiple rooms, and the landlord did not respond to her complaints for months. In her testimony, Rachel becomes emotional describing the impact on her mental health and the financial burden of having to stay in a hotel for over a month due to the unlivable conditions of her home.

On the other side of the aisle, the defendant landlord, Jackie, is confident in her defense. She argues that all maintenance issues were addressed in a timely and professional manner, and any delays were outside of her control due to Rachel being a difficult tenant and obstructing the repairs. Jackie even brings in paperwork indicating that Rachel was briefly evicted from the apartment at one point, citing her violation of the lease agreement.

Throughout the episode, Judge Milian presses both parties on the intricacies of the lease agreement, specifically who is responsible for repairs and maintenance. She also asks for receipts and records of payment from both sides to confirm whether rent was paid on time and to the correct amount. The case is further complicated by Rachel's claim that Jackie actually owns a stake in the company that was hired to perform maintenance on the apartment, which could indicate a conflict of interest.

As with all episodes of The People's Court, there are unexpected twists and turns that keep the audience and Judge Milian on their toes. At one point, Rachel presents a video recording of her apartment showing the extent of the damage, roaches, and other issues in vivid detail. Jackie gets a chance to refute the video, but it's clear that the evidence is difficult to ignore.

Ultimately, Judge Milian must weigh the evidence against the lease agreement to make a decision. The ruling could have a significant impact on both parties: for Rachel, a win could mean financial compensation for her hotel stay and a more habitable apartment. For Jackie, a loss could mean not only a financial penalty but also damage to her reputation as a landlord.

Mistreating A Tenant is a prime example of the kinds of real-life disputes that The People's Court handles every day. It's a reminder that legal battles aren't always straightforward and can often be emotionally charged, with both parties feeling they are in the right. The episode is a must-watch for anyone who has rented an apartment before or has dealt with a difficult landlord.