Facts

Plaintiff Robert H. Bisno leased a single-family residence from defendant Lori Caden, in Sherman Oaks.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Plaintiff contended that he rented the house because of specific representations made by real estate agent Corey Brown. Plaintiff claimed Brown had represented that the neighborhood was safe and that Caden was a good landlord.

During the nine-month tenancy, plaintiff claimed he experienced difficulty in getting the landlord to remedy issues with the house including the refrigerator's icemaker, spa heater, pool cleanliness, and experienced a sewer backup. Plaintiff claimed that but for the representations of defendant Brown, he would not have rented the house and experienced the problems he had with the landlord.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: Defendants denied that the representations were made as alleged and that plaintiff suffered any damages. Plaintiff had previously lived in the area and purchased a house within a mile of the leased house and was familiar with the area, and that the landlord was responsive to this complaints.

Settlement Discussions

At mediation and mandatory settlement conference, plaintiff demanded $75,000. Defendants offered $10,000.

Damages

Plaintiff claimed the house was not worth the rent he paid and wanted damages in the amount of $50,000, plus $45,000 in attorney fees. Plaintiff claimed he incurred to get his security deposit back from the landlord.

Result

Defense verdict.

Deliberation

two hours

Poll

12-0

Length

nine days