Facts

In March 2006, plaintiff Elizabeth Quintero and her five minor children moved into a property on North Kurtz Avenue in Los Angeles owned by defendants Paul and Luisa Melero. In 2007, plaintiffs complained to the Department of Housing about faulty plumbing and alleged mold growth. Defendants served plaintiff Quintero with a three-day notice to pay rent or vacate the premises, which led to an unlawful detainer action.

PLAINTIFFS' CONTENTIONS:
The plaintiff claimed the defendant did not maintain the apartment, leading to mold growth which affected the children's health. The demands to remedy the problem were unanswered. The eviction action was a retaliatory measure against plaintiffs.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS:
The defendants claimed they made every effort to keep the property in good repair, but the plaintiffs refused to allow them into their apartment to make the repairs. The defense claimed plaintiffs were not injured to the extent they claimed.

Injuries

The plaintiffs claimed mold-related injuries and emotional distress.

Result

Four of the minor plaintiffs settled for $6,000, $1,500 per child. The plaintiff and the fifth minor plaintiff settled for $44,000.

Other Information

FILING DATE: May 9, 2008.