Landlord Question and Answer Forum

Forum / General Property Management / small claims appeal
small claims appeal
I recently won a small claims case against a former tenant who moved out months ago. It's a pretty open/shut case since the tenants owed 1 month's rent for breaking the lease early, as well as damages & cleaning which are well documented (before/after photos, invoices, etc). The tenant has appealed to district court in Wake County, NC and has requested a jury. Since district court is more formal, should I hire my attorney to present the case? The tenant would bear the cost of this when we win. Her appeal is borderline frivolous. The tenant claims she was afraid to live in the townhome due to nearby criminal activity. This isn't a valid defense to avoid what she owes (nor did the neighbor in my other unit next door ever say anything about safety issues). Is there a way to have the case arbitrated and avoid district court? Any and all suggestions are appreciated.
R J, NC on Saturday, October 10, 2009
Ref: RE: small claims appeal
I should also mention that these tenants are able to pay what they owe, they just choose not to. I will be able to collect when this is done.
Posted by R J, NC on Saturday, October 10, 2009
Ref: RE: small claims appeal
I am not sure about NC but in PA if a tenant goes the appeal rate, they must post with the courts a certain percentage of what is owed. I think at this point, I would probably get an attorney. It could be the make it or break it of a win.
Posted by Denise S, PA on Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Ref: RE: small claims appeal
In Wake County, NC some cases go to arbitration before district court, which is where this case is headed.
Posted by R J, NC on Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Ref: RE: small claims appeal
Many attorneys will offer a free consult. Maybe just talking to one for a bit will shed some light for you.
Posted by Denise S, PA on Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Documents related to this forum:

Rent Receipt

Email-able
 

Rent Receipt

This standard rent receipt records every aspect of a tenant’s payment, including amount, payment type, and date. Also includes memo space for individualized record-keeping.
with State Assist guidelines
Document Features
  • Email-able

Property Management Agreement - Property Management Contract

Auto-fill Document Email-able
 

Property Management Agreement - Property Management Contract

This is a contract executed between a landlord and a property manager, outlining the responsibilities of each party and the agreed-upon fee structure.
with State Assist guidelines
Document Features
  • Auto-fill Document
  • Email-able

Lease Renewal Notice

Auto-fill Document Works with Window Envelopes Email-able Custom Logo Compatible Editable
 

Lease Renewal Notice

Extend the terms of an existing lease with just a few clicks of the keyboard using this customizable form.
Document Features
  • Auto-fill Document
  • Works with Window Envelopes
  • Email-able
  • Custom Logo Compatible
  • Editable

Direct Deposit Billing Authorization

Email-able
 

Direct Deposit Billing Authorization

This document asks for the tenants authorization to automatically debit a tenants' bank account for the rent each month.
Document Features
  • Email-able

Highest Rated Discussions
Author: Jacob W, WI
Updated: 03/27/2011
Rating: Star 1 Star 1 Star 1 Star 1 Star 1
Author: Thomas T, MA
Updated: 01/03/2012
Rating: Star 1 Star 1 Star 1 Star 1 Star 1
Author: David A, WA
Updated: 06/01/2011
Rating: Star 1 Star 1 Star 1 Star 1 Star 1
Author: Keith C, VA
Updated: 10/01/2010
Rating: Star 1 Star 1 Star 1 Star 1 Star 1
Author: The D, CA
Updated: 09/08/2010
Rating: Star 1 Star 1 Star 1 Star 1 Star 1

The forum is completely free to anyone! If you wish to post a message, you must log in. If you are not registered already, Join today to create a free account!

Any comments and opinions that are expressed by the users of this forum are solely those of the authors, and have not been reviewed or approved by ezLandlordForms.

Create a 100% Free Trial Account to:

  • Download our Free Rental Forms
  • Test drive our Lease Builder Wizard
  • Preview our premium forms
  • Get answers on our Landlord Forum
  • No obligations - no payment information required!
Create Free Trial Account

Satisfaction
Guaranteed

Trusted by Over
115,000 Property
Managers, Realtors,
Attorneys, and Landlords!
More Info
Watch our fun video about ez Landlord Forms: 'Kevin & the Lease Builder Wizard'

Feature Spotlight: Complete Landlord Forms Library

Our one-of-a-kind online library offers you 70+ property management forms addressing virtually every conceivable situation a landlord may encounter. Each and every one has been reviewed by our team attorneys or real estate experts providing you the highest quality forms available anywhere. Although it's already the most comprehensive online library of its kind, we are constantly adding new documents in response to changing regulations and feedback from our customers. See samples of all of our available documents.
Need Help? If you cannot find answers to your questions on our website, you can contact ezLandlordForms for support.
Feedback and Comments Have Comments About This Page?  Send Feedback
Click to verify BBB accreditation and to see a BBB report. HACKER SAFE certified sites prevent over 99.9% of hacker crime.
ez Landlord Forms products and services are reviewed and approved by attorneys, accountants, fellow landlords, or industry experts.
ez Landlord Forms is not a law firm and our products and services are not a substitute for the advice of an attorney.
Copyright © 2006-2012, ezLandlordForms LLC. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | ezLandlordForms Affiliate Program
Powered by Pliner Solutions, Inc.