Facts

Beginning in 1998, plaintiffs Lisa Brooks and Luqman Sabir leased an apartment in Los Angeles. In 2003, defendant Clifford Jones purchased the apartment in which plaintiffs lived. Plaintiffs alleged that the property developed several habitability problems after Jones became the owner. These problems included water leaks, peeling paint, broken heater, and mold. Plaintiffs reported these issued to the Los Angeles Department of Health Services (LADHS), which compelled Jones to perform repairs. Jones later served plaintiffs an eviction notice and the plaintiffs eventually moved out.

Brooks and Sabir sued Jones alleging housing discrimination and retaliation.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiffs claimed that Jones made the repairs in a sloppy manner and evicted them for complaining of the habitability problems. Plaintiffs further claimed that Jones harassed and intimidated them in order force plaintiffs out.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
The defense claimed that the plaintiffs attempted to intimidate Jones and acted violently. Further, Jones argued that the reports to the LADHS were untrue.

Result

The jury awarded the plaintiffs $8,938.

Other Information

FILING DATE: June 14, 2007