In Michigan landlord-tenant proceedings, tenants have specific legal rights including the right to hire a lawyer or seek legal aid, the right to have the case heard in the county where the property is located, and the right to demand a jury trial (requiring a written demand within 5 days and a $50 fee). Tenants facing eviction for nonpayment of rent may be eligible for emergency housing assistance from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Community Action Agency, or Neighborhoods Inc. Courts may adjourn cases for at least 7 days to allow tenants to seek legal advice or negotiate with landlords, and may facilitate mediation or conditional orders of dismissal when parties reach agreements.
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Landlord Tenant Matters 3B District Court May 22, 2026Added:
Good morning once again. We've got a minute or two to let this run. We start at 9:05.
We are back with that walk-in arraignment.
Today is Friday. It's the 22nd of May.
Uh the Friday before Memorial Day weekend. Several of our staff have the day off today.
Uh it looks like my last pending felony case that was set for trial next week may resolve with a plea this afternoon.
So, we'll see how that develops.
We have a full landlord-tenant docket this morning and theoretically nothing this morning or this afternoon.
So, today's first line Matt, I don't think you'll know this one, but uh here's the song of the day.
Our shared moment of humanity. My California friends may know this.
My friends, they washed the windows and they shine in the sun.
They tell me, "Wake up early in the morning sometimes. What a beautiful job you've done."
I say, "Let's put on some tunes, sing along and do little all day.
Go down to the riverside, take off our shoes, and wash these sins away.
La la la.
All right.
Let's go down to the river and wash our sins away.
Okay, it is a beautiful day, great to be alive. Our bailiffs are here. We don't have any customers. Sergeant Arney's here live and in person.
Haven't seen her in a while.
Uh Sergeant Rice is here.
Uh Okay, that's what it would be.
Good morning, folks. Which case are you here on?
Okay.
All right, I got people in the waiting room, people in the courtroom.
And uh >> [sighs and gasps] >> Good morning, Kelly. Good morning uh everyone everywhere else. Last night was the uh conclusion of the WBET radio thon for the St. Joseph County United Way. I think it takes about 16 hours. I'm sure they were tired.
Uh if you don't know that song, give it a listen.
It's the kind of song you want to turn it up.
So, everybody turn it up.
All right.
Thank you for saying good morning.
>> [clears throat] >> Turn on some tunes and do a little all day.
Sounds like a good plan.
Maybe tomorrow.
Also, this is the last day of our customer satisfaction survey.
We've got this goofy white background behind me.
Uh but if you wish to join in with commentary, you can uh scan that QR code and provide any input you wish to provide.
All right. Uh good morning, everyone.
It's 9:02. I think we got nearly everybody.
Uh we got some people in the courtroom.
We've got Andrew Ragnus from his world headquarters in Sturgis.
Uh we've got uh Mr. Prezoli is here. We haven't seen him in some time.
And uh Mr. Weiner is here.
Yes. Uh our first defendant uh >> [clears throat] >> Sam Riggio is or Sarah Riggio is here.
Which case are you folks here on? We're in 10.
Um eviction.
Who's your landlord?
My name is uh my All right. Uh the Learns are also here.
And uh >> [clears throat] >> So, uh Ms. Riggio, Ms. Devlin, you are here as a tenant in a landlord Here's another person, Cassandra Oglesby Rhodes.
Good morning.
Good morning. Good morning.
Uh I'm Judge Middleton and thank you for being here in a timely manner. We're about to start our landlord-tenant docket and you've got one of the cases.
Yours is a termination of tenancy. Ms. Devlin's is a termination of tenancy and Mr. Riggio's is a nonpayment of rent.
And uh Ms. Riggio, anyway, you're all here in a landlord-tenant proceeding. As such, you have a right to hire a lawyer.
If you can't afford a lawyer, you can see if Legal Aid would be available to represent you. Legal Aid had been joining us for our sessions, but within the last 2 or 3 weeks, they haven't come anymore. I'm not sure what their status is. Anyway, we gave you the number and you may wish to contact Legal Aid if you wish to seek some legal advice.
If you're eligible for their services, they may be able to advise you.
You have right have the case heard here in St. Joseph County where the property is located.
They make me tell you that. I don't know why because it's never been an issue not even one time, but uh we'll hear the case here in St. Joseph County where the property is located.
You have a right to demand a jury trial.
If you wish to have a jury trial, you must tell me at this first appearance or make the written demand in writing within 5 days and be prepared to pay the $50 jury demand fee.
If your landlord has asked you to to be evicted because of nonpayment of rent in a residential setting, you may be able to get emergency housing assistance from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Community Action Agency, Neighborhood Ink, or if you're veteran, you may be eligible for some veterans assistance.
You may be able to reach an agreement with the landlord that means the case would be dismissed.
In which case, the attorneys or the court could assist in preparing what is known as a conditional order of dismissal.
Or you may be able to resolve the case by going to mediation. That's never ever happened, but it might one day. If both parties are interested, [clears throat] the court can help set that up. Should also let you all know that whether I like it or anyone else likes it, uh you're entitled to one 7-day adjournment. Mr. Pazzoli, you may be interested in this. Mr. Weiner, you may be aware of it. Andrew as well. There's a bill of six There's a package of six bills in the legislature right now which are going to try to address a lot of mobile home issues and [clears throat] uh manufactured housing issues and lot versus trailer issues and it seems to have bipartisan support and uh I hope it gets somewhere this year. Thank you, Your Honor.
I I read about that the other day, Your Honor.
You may You and I may have seen the same article. Yeah.
It was in the uh bar update.
Anyway, let's talk about your case.
Sarah Riggio is here. Uh Mr. Pazzoli, the owner of the park is here and uh their attorney, Stuart Weiner.
This is filed as a non-payment of rent.
It wasn't terribly behind, but uh this appears to be lot only. Mr. Weiner, what's the status here?
So, the status, Your Honor, is that uh rent due including May uh but also includes a a payment >> [clears throat] >> uh that Ms. Riggio made. She owes $2,070 in rent.
She owes late fees of $200.
That's $2,270.
And she owes costs totaling 257.10.
Attorney fees of 75, filing fees of 130 and service of 52.10.
A total of $2,527.10.
>> [snorts] >> Ms. Riggio, what's your position here?
It sounds like you made a payment, so you wish to maintain the tenancy here.
Yes.
I am trying to come up with the money.
All right.
Is this lot only? Do you own your trailer?
Yes.
>> [clears throat] >> Well, the law requires we adjourn this at least 7 days, which will take us to next Friday, which is May 29th.
And Mr. Weiner, let's see if you're set to be here for anything next week. I I may be in Gaylord. Let me look and see.
I'm somewhere.
>> Well, you you're here on Kiara Summey.
There's a couple of memory lane cases next week.
Right.
Yes, I have Summey and Dayton.
All right. Well, let's set this for 9 32.
Yeah, you have me at 9:30, 9:35.
So, we'll stick this in the middle.
Okay.
>> I can't do it at the exact same time because I can't schedule it, so I have to offset it by a minute or two. Yeah, no problem.
>> Ms. Rhodes, um I don't know if you're eligible for any emergency financial help with a lot only situation.
The law is really unclear uh regarding nonpayment of lot only.
Uh hopefully some of these bills will help clear that up.
At any rate, I'm going to adjourn this for uh, 7 days.
>> [clears throat] >> And uh, then there would be an additional 10 days after that for you to pay the rent or be subject to other uh, action.
I think Ms. Corpening is just joining us.
Oh, good.
Uh, anyway, they can agree to work with you to try to get this resolved. It's very difficult, expensive, and cumbersome to remove a trailer off a lot.
Uh, what they're doing is they're evicting the trailer, uh, the the actual mobile home off a lot.
And that's >> [clears throat] >> very difficult. A, they're hard to get off of there, and B, there's nowhere to put them.
But uh, so Ms. Corpening is very aware of this, and so is the owner, Mr. Pazzoli.
So, I've scheduled your hearing for next Friday.
Uh, it sounds like you want to maintain your tenancy and pay the rent.
Um, theoretically, it would be due by 10 days from next Friday, which would be June 8th.
But they can agree to work with you on a plan to get this caught up. So, my advice would be you contact your manager, uh, Ms. Corpening, and uh, discuss that further with her. But I will see you next Friday morning at 9:30 or so, okay?
Thank you, Your Honor.
>> Thank you. Yes, thank you, Your Honor.
>> [clears throat] >> I have another matter with you, but that's not until 9:30.
>> got we got split up. I'm not sure how that happens. I try not to drag you around the pee patch, but uh we'll see. I'll see you in a little bit.
You got it.
And you got to watch a criminal arraignment this morning, so that was fun.
>> No, I I got And, Your [clears throat] Honor, I Let me share this with you.
Um I had to drive my wife to a medical appointment, so I'm sitting in my car.
Have you ever seen the TV show The Lincoln Lawyer?
Yes. I feel like the Cadillac lawyer this morning, [laughter] Your Honor.
So, [snorts] maybe I'll be the Tacoma lawyer. I don't know, we'll see.
>> That's it.
>> Yes, I read all the books and watched both movies and the TV series.
Very good.
>> you. I'll see you in a bit.
>> in a few minutes. Thank you.
>> So long.
Thank you. All right.
All right, next up is uh the Learns.
Uh >> [snorts] >> Delete your app.
>> And uh uh Miss Tevlin, would you come have a seat right here?
>> [clears throat] >> Mr. Pazzoli, you're welcome to stick around. I'll let you go, you and Chris both. We'll come back in a bit. Thank you, Your Honor.
>> [snorts] >> Chris, I'll see you in a bit, too.
Somebody is here by telephone.
9:30.
It's uh Emanuel Poole.
Yeah. Uh My 9:15 with Mr. Poole was not listed.
Put that on the record.
All right.
It's going to be wherever side of state.
Yes, I got it here.
All right, well, let's talk to Ms. Tevlin.
Uh this is file number 26897LT.
Um Lori Tevlin is here. This has to do with the apartment building that the Learns own that I keep saying I used to deliver newspapers to when I was a kid at 1200 North Elm Street in Three Rivers.
Tucked away on a dead-end street.
Uh rent was $750 per month, but at February, the plaintiffs filed a termination of tenancy or excuse me, uh in January, they filed a termination of tenancy and requested that the defendant move.
Mr. Agness, what's the circumstance here?
Well, again, you've got some echo.
What? You've got some echo.
Yeah, there's terrible echo. It's It's We've been working on it. It was It's bad from your connection, too. Okay.
Well, we've got a one-year lease that expires February 20 >> Just a minute.
They were messing around with the stuff yesterday.
The sound is turned all the way down on the TV, I think.
Uh anyway, termination of tenancy notice to quit was filed in January.
Uh what's your position here? Uh you're on a lease was a one-year lease that was November and the Learns bought the property back. Boy, Andy, I'm really having trouble hearing you.
>> [snorts] >> The lease on your lease.
The Learners gave and they want the property.
>> [clears throat] >> All right. Uh Ms. Tevin, what's your position here?
They want you to move out.
I know. And when I moved up here, Your Honor, I moved up here from a domestic shelter and the Learners were nice enough to let me rent that apartment and I really appreciate that. I've moved up from Indiana to Michigan and when I moved up here, I could barely walk. I ended up having to have major surgery and um >> [clears throat] >> when I moved up here, my sister said she would help me. She would help me She would help me. I was on probation. She'd help me get to probation. She'd help me do whatever I had for the classes. As soon as I got up here and moved into that apartment, she abandoned me. There was no rides, no She She got mad cuz my my stepdad died and my mother had given me a table and that started this whole thing. She was really upset because my mother had given me that table.
>> stop you for a minute. Mr. Rognes, when was rent rent last paid on this unit?
I'm not certain.
My rent is paid up, sir.
All right, she claims rent is current.
I don't know what money and Vicky would have All right, well anyway, they want you to move. So, I don't guess I need to know all this.
And I've offered to work with them.
When I went into the hospital for the surgery, my family just deserted me. So, I had to The only person I have on my side is my ex-husband.
And he's been up here helping me and him and my sister have a feud going on. So, she has been calling every time he comes up to help me and telling the learners that he's living with me, which he is not living with me.
He's up there a lot because I needed care.
I said but I've talked to the learners and we've talked and they said they would put him on the lease and raise my rent up to $1,000.
But my rent is paid for. They just raised it from 750 to or to 850 and I paid that last month and it's still I'm still paid up until the first of this coming month.
And they told me over the phone that they were going to raise it $1,000 and that's fine as long as I still have a place to live. I have to put in application. I go to pivotal every week. I have a therapist I see for my anxieties and for the abuse that I've went through and I've I'm really proud of myself. I love my classes. I've got my I've come up here with the clothes on my back. I have an apartment. I got my license changed. I got my insurance all took care of. I just now got my license back. I got my truck insured and registered and I've been working on I've working on getting myself better. All I want is a nice place to live in a I'll do whatever the learners tell me to do. I don't cause problems with nobody.
I'll adjourn this for 7 days.
Andy, I don't see that you have anything. Next 9:10. All right.
9:10? Yep.
Santana Longoria, I'll set this for 9:05.
>> [clears throat] >> On May 29th.
Now.
You can talk to the Learns and discuss whether they would be willing to allow you to stay there if your ex is living there and I'm not sure, but your lease is up. It was a one-year lease in February it became a month-to-month lease. They gave you notice in January to move.
One problem is you got a notice >> probation in January.
>> just a minute.
Uh you got a notice to quit in January and then did you pay February, March, April, and May rent?
>> I am completely paid up. All right, well Andy, that's a problem that they did a termination of tenancy and then they continued to accept rent.
I will discuss that with the Learn, Your Honor.
>> [clears throat] >> They're here now.
Um They're actually right on time.
I can't people just keep coming into the waiting room.
They're all stacking up here. Yeah, let's kick this one back a week and we'll get it worked out.
>> we're going to continue this matter for one week to next Friday at 9:05. You're welcome to come in here live like you did today into our There's a case that says once a landlord files a termination of tenancy action, they're not supposed to continue to accept your rent.
And your contention is after you got the notice to quit, they accepted your rent in February, March, April, and May, which may undermine their ability to do this.
You indicate you wish to stay there, you're willing to sign a new lease. I would encourage you to discuss this with the Learns.
Um Mr. Rognness is going to talk to them.
Uh also, they just came in.
So, we're going to address this matter further next Friday at 9:05.
Uh Andy, you see any benefit of a breakout room? No, I've got two lawyers and you need to meet together with Yes. [clears throat] All right. Do you contact the Learns? Uh Mr. and Mrs. Learn, Andy's going to talk to you about uh accepting rent after termination of tenancy is filed.
And um we'll uh see where we go with that.
All right. Next, we skipped a case.
Uh Two Riverside and Poole, that's an agreement we got Well, I've got Patterson versus Oglesby, [clears throat] which is now Rhodes.
All right, Mr. and Mrs. Learn, I'll let you go. You can get a hold of Andy later this morning.
All right. Uh Vicky Patterson versus Cassandra Oglesby.
You want me to run through it?
Is Cassandra Oglesby here?
It's now Cassandra Rhodes.
I did go through the advice of rights while Ms. Rhodes was here.
This is a termination of tenancy on a month-to-month tenancy.
Ms. Patterson is a successor in interest to somebody else. Mr. Agnes, what's the status here? Your honor, briefly by way of background, I'm Vicky Patterson and Margaret Patterson's daughter.
And Cassandra Rhodes is Patterson's daughter as well.
Cassandra had a lease agreement back from May of 2022.
Margaret passed in 2023.
Vicky now owns the real estate. The lease indicates it was a month-to-month [clears throat] lease.
The 30-day notice was given back in February.
Ms. Rhodes, the current owner of the house is asking you to move.
What's your position?
You need to unmute your mic.
>> [clears throat] >> Can you hear me now? you hear me? I can hear you now. Here we go. Um so the documents that were submitted to the court when I originally signed this agreement, there was actually front of it that um >> [clears throat] >> the situation was I had I was I actually had a house and I was buying it at a mortgage, all this stuff.
And when my grandfather died in 2022, I was offered my grandparents' property as a >> [clears throat] >> on a land contract as long as my grandmother was alive.
Now, is that this property? It is, yes.
All right. So, you had a land contract on this property?
Yes. Um so when when I signed that lease agreement, there was actually a third page um a cover sheet that was that said attachment to the last will and testament of Margaret Patterson.
Um All right, Margaret was your mother or your grandmother?
From my grandmother. The original agreement was between my grandmother and myself.
All right, so Margaret is your grandmother? Yes.
Vicki is my mother.
All right.
Um so the attachment to what was supposed to be in her will said that I had um >> [clears throat] >> that everything that I paid in rent uh {quote} {unquote} rent would then be considered a down when I eventually property.
And when my grandmother passed um I had already sold my house. I I already living here. And I had discussed with my mother because I couldn't purchase it for a moment because getting divorced.
And so my mom, Vicky, bought the property and then refused to sell it to me.
>> [clears throat] >> But unbeknownst [clears throat] to me until well after they never attachment for the >> [clears throat] >> investment to give me purchase the property.
All right, that was in 2023?
2022 was the original time.
All right. Well, we're we're now in 2026 and you don't own the property.
Vicky Patterson apparently owns it and she wants you to move out.
Uh you need a lawyer.
Uh legal aid is not here. But you don't own the house. She does. And whatever your grandmother wanted to do 4 years ago apparently didn't come to fruition.
So they're asking you to move.
And uh that's within 10 days.
So the law requires that I adjourn this matter at least 7 days. I'm going to continue it to next Friday.
That would be uh May 29th at 8:45. Andy, we'll start a little early with this one cuz it might take a little time.
Uh you could benefit from talking with a lawyer or contacting legal aid.
I get these almost every month.
Uh a dispute between family members, grandma passes, mom passes, siblings have a disagreement as to what happened. Uh you have a lease, not a land contract, and your lease is a month-to-month lease. They asked you to move in February. It's now almost June, and you haven't moved. So, here's the worst scenario for you.
We will adjourn this matter till next Friday the 29th at 8:45.
If they get what they ask for, you would have 10 days from that day to move out, which would be June 8th, or you would be subject to having the sheriff come evict you.
Um and that's not pleasant for anybody.
Uh they're not asking for money at this point. They're simply asking that you vacate, that you move. So, we're adjourning this for at least 7 days for you to try to get some legal advice, but you're in a not very strong position.
Whatever land contract or whatever was supposed to be executed didn't get executed. You have a lease, and the lease has been a month-to-month lease for some time, and they're asking to terminate it.
Um so, we'll revisit this next Friday at 8:45, and you could benefit from some legal advice.
Do you have any questions?
No.
All right, [snorts] I'll see you next Friday morning. I'll set a little early, 8:45, and um we'll see where we are.
All [snorts] right.
Thank you.
You're good to go. All right, Mr. Emanuel Poole is here, and he also did hear me go through the advice of rights.
Mr. Poole, can you hear me?
Yes, sir.
All right, Mr. Ragness is now representing Riverside Estates out on Withers Road.
Um this is a demand for nonpayment of rent. Appears to be lot and trailer.
And the [snorts] arrearage is [clears throat] over $5,000.
Mr. Rogness, what's the status here?
Your Honor, Mr. Penninger's here also.
He's the owner of the Mr. What's his name?
Penninger.
Okay.
The parties in agreement that I prepared a incentive conditional dismissal and incorporate terms of that agreement and basic details both parties perform on that the agreement Just a minute. Andy, the problem's at your end.
Uh I could hear the last people. Mr. Penninger, can you hear me? I can.
Yeah, his sound is quite clear. So, something's up with your mic at your end, but uh go ahead. You're blipping in and out.
The parties have dismissal.
Just need both of them here.
Put that on the record.
All right, why don't you go ahead and put the terms on the record?
Um there's a written agreement specifying the repayment terms.
That would be Currently is $6,218.36.
Group A.
Mr. Poole is going to be repaying that $400 per week until he not only catches up his arrearage and his rent current.
They estimated that out 30 months.
4,000 That actually Mr. Poole, did you hear what Mr. Rognes said?
I heard 6,000 and something, but on the app it only says 5,000 and something and I paid 400 Tuesday.
All right. Well, now that was as of April. It's now May, almost June. So, the amount is 6 Uh, so Mr. Henegar is here.
Uh >> [clears throat] >> This is very generous and I was going to be very hard to pay $400 a week. It's like a old-fashioned car payment.
Now, they're 1,000 >> I got to cut you off, but I got the app and it says your current balance is 4,617.
As of what date?
Um, it says your next bill is due June 1st, 2026 and it says your current balance is 4,617.
All right. What can you tell me about that, Mr. Rognes or Mr. Henegar?
I >> We're not arguing with him. I'm just saying what this is what the app is showing me.
All right.
Just be quiet for a minute.
I'm unaware of any payments, your honor.
We had calculated the amount that was as of April, added in 995 for May, and then $172.35 for costs. That totals up 6218.36 on a waiver of any payments made recently.
He says he's looking at an app.
Uh, I'm not sure what he's talking about.
>> [clears throat] >> Your honor, Yes.
Uh, Mr. Poole is looking at his rent app.
He has made payments on this agreement.
So, he is making some progress in the right direction. So, I believe the the number he's referencing would be today's current balance cuz he's made four payments, five payments on this balance. So, I mean, he's he's working on the plan, so that's where the agreement uh, resides.
All right, so the current balance is 4617.
Uh, that's just rent, correct?
Yes, your honor.
Uh, what are the costs again, Mr. Ragnous? 172.35 >> [snorts] >> 4617 + 172.35 4789.35 All right, Mr. Poole.
That does appear to be the correct number. Your app reflected what is owed.
So, you're going to pay that at $400 a week. They're going to prepare what's called a conditional order of dismissal.
And you agree uh to those terms and conditions.
Yes, sir. And I'm also working overtime, so anything I can get >> [clears throat] >> more than what I'm getting now, I'm planning on paying 400. Or if I get more hours [snorts] at work, I'm planning on paying more than that, so All right.
Uh Mr. Rognes will submit the conditional order.
Yeah, I'll do it under the 7-day rule.
All right.
So, we got to come back to court in 7 days, is that right?
No, you don't have to come to court. But bear in mind, if you don't hold up your end of the terms, they can ask for a writ of eviction and uh have you terminated from this tenancy. So, they're dismissing it conditionally with a condition that if you comply with the terms, it will remain dismissed.
If If you don't, it will get reactivated and we will uh proceed. So, stay in contact with your landlord. You'll get that order in the mail within about the next 7 or 8 days, but continue to make your weekly payment.
I definitely will, sir.
All right, very good. So, you're good to go.
Okay. I'll see you next week.
Thank you. Thank you.
Thank you. All right, we're a little backed up. I apologize.
We've got lots of people on the screen in the waiting room. Let's see who we've got.
We've got uh attorney Yancey is here on behalf of Fenrick. Ms. Feniman is here.
And uh is Jennifer Nichols here?
Are you Jennifer Nichols Samsung?
All right, let me give you a the You need to unmute your mic.
>> [clears throat] >> All right, Jennifer Nichols is here.
Uh Rachel Harris is here.
Brett and Heather Stecker are here as defendants.
Uh this is the time where I have to advise you of your rights as tenants.
All right, our next case up would be Harris, I think.
All right, uh bear a moment.
Uh you're here on a landlord-tenant case.
Miss Fineman, I'm going to ask you to give these rights. You've heard them so many times, maybe you can recite them.
Or Mr. Pazzoli.
At any rate, you're all here on a landlord-tenant case. And as such, you have certain rights.
Among those is your right to have a lawyer.
You have a right to hire a lawyer if you wish to have one.
Or you can see if legal aid would be willing to represent you or seek other legal representation. We don't have court-appointed counsel in civil cases like landlord-tenant matters.
You have a right to have the case heard here in St. Joseph County where we're all located.
Here in Centreville, in the center of St. Joseph County.
You Some of these are non-payment of rent, and some are termination of tenancy.
Some are on mobile homes.
But uh you have a right in any of those cases to have a jury trial. We've yet to ever have one, but uh we might one day.
If you wish to have a jury trial, you must tell me at this first court appearance or make the demand in writing within 5 days and be prepared to pay the $50 jury demand fee unless you're unable to pay it and the judge excuses the fee.
If your landlord has asked you to be evicted from a residential property because you haven't paid rent, you may be able to get assistance from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Community Action Agency, Neighborhood Ink or other funding source. Or if you're a veteran, you may be eligible for some veterans financial assistance.
Uh you may be able to reach an agreement with the landlord by going through mediation if both parties are interested in that.
Court can help set it up. Or you may be able to reach an agreement that would result in what is known as a conditional order of dismissal.
Uh and uh either the attorneys would prepare it or the court would assist in preparing that.
So our 920 case is Fenrick LLC versus Jennifer Nichols. Ms. Nichols, could you unmute your mic?
There should be a little microphone with a through it. I used to be able to unmute it from my end, but they changed the program, so I don't think I can do it. Let me try it.
No, it won't let me do it.
Can you hear me now?
No, she has to do it at her end.
She looks like she looks like she's on mute.
>> me now?
I did it, but she didn't. Yes, I can.
Thank you.
Uh all right.
Uh Ms. Yancey's here and uh Ms. Finnerman. Ms. Yancey uh always prepares [snorts] what's called a judgment information form, which makes my life so much easier.
In this case, they contend that the arrearage is $1,780.
Uh a late fee and a rent for April and a late fee and rent for May.
Court costs are $188.85, and the total is $1,968.85.
Ms. Nichols, what do you say to that?
Um I do owe that money. Um that is correct. Um Judge, when I got placed here in this apartment complex, I was helped by Keystone.
Um and they were supposed to help me, you know, for a year or whatever. That being said, um I found out January 2nd I got the letter in the mail that I'd have to be responsible for paying rent as of March 1st.
Um >> [clears throat] >> I didn't even get my first paycheck from my job until March 13th. I then tried to make a couple payments a month, and I failed miserably. Um then I was off work for 2 weeks on a rotator cuff.
I really want to I do not want to be homeless. I really want to work and um get this caught up. My my electricity got shut off. That was $375. I've had to do that. I've got that back on.
Um I then also had some legal issues. I got arrested. I've been to court for that.
But I It was almost $300 to get out of jail. I'm only working It's just It's been one thing after another, Judge. And I know that that happens. This is life.
You know? And And Chris has been great working with me. I just want to tell you that, Chris.
Uh I don't expect her to do anything. I didn't wasn't going to, you know, but I enjoy living here and I It's just [clears throat] been minor setbacks. I'm not I really did I haven't had the money.
If I did, I would All right. Well, all right. This happens a lot. Keystone places people in a unit and the the this company does that.
>> [snorts] >> And then the subsidy runs out and the people can't afford to live there.
Uh the landlord has a waiting list of other people that would like to move in there.
And you're between the proverbial rock and the hard place.
Uh But they can't just We're about to be into June. They're going to be another month and a month late to keep up.
>> the paperwork with DHS um for the um the emergency >> you have asked for emergency assistance?
>> Yes. Yes, sir.
>> [snorts] >> Christine, what's your thought here?
Um I mean, I know you're obligated to reset it for the 7 days. I'd just reset it and see maybe she'll have that assistance from DHS by that time.
>> Well, you may not be able to get it. You already got assistance from Keystone and the funding ran out.
Well, the funding >> And then they sent me a paper I have it right here in front of me that said that I had finished my program. Well, I really hadn't finished my program. Eric, the one that was my case manager there, knew that I was supposed to actually get a a surgery done on my foot and be ready towards the one year. He knew that I was going to be taking that assistance for the whole time because he was even with me on that like I was going to get surgery and be off work. I couldn't work for a 15 weeks.
And this and that and um Well, maybe you will be eligible for some emergency help. Let's continue this Thank you.
>> to next Friday at 11:15. Does that work for you, Christine?
Um I will not be available, but I will have Miss Harden cover that hearing.
All right, thank you. It's good to have associates.
Um All right, now the worst scenario would be I'd give you 10 days from that day to move out.
Uh So, as I said, each month they get farther behind and it's unlikely you'd be able to catch up on it.
Um they told you in March, it's now late May.
Um I know you don't want to move and it's hard to move a tenant out, move another one in.
>> And and I and I don't and and Chris and I go way back and I'm not trying to be that person with her. You know what I mean?
I I will go out gracefully, but I just want to try to save it with my aid, you know. All right. Well, perhaps share this information with uh You can't even see it on this dumb white background I've got here.
Uh this is on here because this is the week for the customer satisfaction or disfact satisfaction survey.
If you [snorts] wish to weigh in on that, you can scan that QR code and give your input about how we're doing around here.
We're doing the best we can, I guess that's all I can say.
Uh I will see you next Friday at 11:15.
Stay in contact with DHS and stay in contact with your landlord. [snorts] Okay, I sure will.
All right, Ms. Harris, I'll see you next week.
That's Jennifer. I mean uh Ms. Harris.
>> Okay. All right, Ms. Harris.
Ms. Harris, will you wake up? We're going to take your case.
>> Yeah, I'm here.
>> it's I know it's very boring around here. I feel like that much of the time myself.
All right, this is Fenrick versus Rachel Harris.
Uh this is a second hearing in this matter.
A default judgment >> our third hearing. It's a third hearing.
A default judgment entered.
The defendant didn't show up last week.
Uh we struggled.
She She didn't come in. She didn't zoom in.
She gave us a telephone number. I tried to call her about three times and could hear people talking in the background, but nobody ever picked up.
So, we entered a default judgment indicating that you owe the rent.
There was nobody in my apartment but me at that time.
Say that again.
There was nobody in my apartment but me at that time. I had no missed calls from you.
My My phone uh the number number you guys originally had it got shut off.
And I didn't know until I got >> Well, anyway, you didn't show up for the hearing. Now, in order to set aside the default, you need two things.
You need just cause for not appearing and you need to show that you had a legitimate defense.
Um I don't think either of those things are true.
Uh I tried going on Zoom. My internet wasn't working.
>> [clears throat] >> I didn't have a vehicle My vehicle was down.
I couldn't even get into the courthouse and I didn't have money to get transportation to go to the courthouse.
But you owe the unpaid rent.
I understand that I just started working. I got my first paychecks this week.
I'm starting work 40 hours a week. I'm working two jobs.
I start my second job uh tomorrow.
I was very >> this yard like I tried to call you multiple times.
Where are you? You look like you're inside something that caught fire.
I'm in my vehicle.
Did it have a fire?
No, the uh covers taken off it on the inside.
All right.
>> [clears throat] >> Well, anyway, I don't find you had a valid reason for not appearing and I don't find that there's a legitimate defense.
You just owe this.
So, the motion to set aside the default is denied.
No meritorious defense.
And no legitimate reason for failing to appear.
I apologize to everybody else. I crammed this matter in here in the middle of an already busy morning.
But, Ms. Finnerman and Ms. Yancey were already scheduled to be here at this time.
And I didn't want to drag them around the field. Uh as she indicated, you've already been here three times. So, I crammed this matter in the middle of an otherwise busy morning. Defendant did file a motion to set aside the default, which if I had just denied. So, the original judgment remains in effect.
I would suggest that you stay in contact with your landlord, or you could be subject to being evicted.
Uh I did grant your fee waiver.
>> [snorts] >> The motion is denied.
So, the original order from last Friday stands.
Um and I would suggest you stay in contact with Carissa.
Uh if you are working two jobs, and maybe they can work out a agreement for you to got to get caught up on on the rent. Otherwise, you're going to have to move.
And if you can't zoom in, come to court.
I was so frustrated. We were very busy.
I called your number like three times. I could hear people talking in the background. Nobody ever picked it up.
Uh we sort of went the extra mile. I made Christine wait an extra half an hour, and we never were able to connect to you.
So, uh I would suggest >> a voicemail from you, but my phone never rang.
I don't know what was going on with my phone. I was like, I ain't I'm getting a different phone.
All right.
>> Um I filed an STR.
What?
All right. Well, you're For one thing, there's the relief requested was appropriate.
So, uh there is no meritorious defense.
And you need that to set aside a default.
So, my suggestion is stay in contact with your landlord. You could be subject to being evicted within a very few days.
All right. Good luck to you.
Thank you, Your Honor.
>> Um thank you, uh Miss Yancy. I have I said we put this in here and we made it work, but thank you. And for the rest of you, thank you for your patience.
Um Our next case is set for 9:30. It's now 9:50.
We are quite backed up.
So, uh I think I advised everybody that's here of their rights.
Uh Mr. Rosario wasn't here.
Um but we'll go ahead and do uh Mr. Weiner's case. Emily Mobile Home Park versus Brett and Heather Stecker.
They did get their rights here a minute ago. Again, Stuart Weiner's here, Richard Pazzoli is here, Chris Corpening is here, and the defendants are here.
Uh the file number here Yes?
Uh this is Mr. Rosario. Uh my my paper said it was at at 9:40.
It is, but we aren't to 9:40 yet.
Okay.
>> I'm caught I'm we're behind schedule.
Okay. No, no, just making sure that you that that you know, cuz you said Jose Rosario wasn't here.
No, I said he's here. I could see you. I can't see you now. I saw you get walk around and get in your car.
But anyway, we'll get to your case in a minute.
Mr. Weiner, what's the status here?
So, Your Honor, we have rent and lot involved.
Due through May, the lot deficiency was 1765, 1765.
The home deficiency was $1,425.
There were late fees of 150.
That totaled $3,340.
Uh, but the Stecklers made payments.
They made four payments.
On 420, 51, 513, and 520. The total of their payments was $1,750.
If we subtract the payments from the amount due, we have $1,590 total.
But there are also costs of $309.20.
Attorney fees, filing fees, and service.
So, the total that is owed right now is $1,899.20.
All right.
Thank you for this succinct re-accounting.
Uh, Mr. and Mrs. Steckler, um Yes. Sounds like you made a substantial amount of payments, 1750.
Now, through May, lot and trailer, you owe 1590 plus costs. Is it your plan to try to catch up on this? Yes, your honor.
We've been working very diligently trying to get everything taken care of and squared away.
Um, my husband started a new job in mid-March.
Um, because uh his old job kind of went downhill. So, he was he had to leave and find a new job and he started a new one in mid-March at Atlantic Packaging.
Good for you.
All right. Well, we need The law says we need to adjourn this at least 7 days.
Uh I'm going to continue this to 11:20.
Let me see. Do I have you somewhere else next week, Mr. You You do.
>> You have me >> Oh, yeah. I'll set this Yeah, I don't want to drag you around again. It's going to be very crowded. I'll set it for 9:37.
Yeah, that's perfect.
Okay.
For 9:37.
>> All right. Mr. and Mrs. Stecker, Yes, sir. uh My advice is you stay in contact with Ms. Corpening. She's been doing this for a long time. Yes, sir.
>> And if you're going to work out some sort of plan where you're going to get caught up on the rent, um they can come to some sort of an agreement.
Uh next week, we will still be in the month of May.
Sure.
>> Uh we'll be here on the 29th. 3 days later will be June 1st and June's rent will also be due.
Yes, sir. And uh so, that will somehow get worked into the equation.
Yes, sir.
>> But, you made a substantial payment.
You've got a commitment to the lot and the trailer and you wish to stay there.
And I say this all the time. It's easier to keep a good tenant in there than to move one out and move another one in.
So, we're going to revisit this next Friday morning. We're going to be very busy next Friday morning, but we'll make it all work. We'll see you about 9:30 or 9:35.
It's actually set for 9:37. That's just so I could fit it in.
Um Mr. Wiener's got several cases and I didn't want to stretch him out across the morning docket.
So, continue to make any payments. They'll be applied to any arrearage. Stay in contact with your manager. You did a good job of zooming in in a timely manner. You had your names in there. I could hear you and see you.
I could hear you better than I could some of the attorneys.
So, uh We're trying, Dad.
All right. I'll see you next Friday morning at about 9:30, okay? Thank you, Dad.
>> Thank you. All right. Thank you, Your Honor. Have a great weekend. Thank you, Your Honor.
>> I'll see you guys all next Friday. Thank you, Your Honor. Okay. Bye-bye.
>> Bye-bye. All right. So, we are behind.
Let's see who else we've got here. We've got Mr. Rosario.
We've got Mr. Dvorak.
Um I'm going to remove the stickers.
All right. Mr. Eichorn is here. He's in one of the waiting rooms, uh uh visiting rooms, uh and uh Mr. Dvorak is here. He's the plaintiff in Mr. Nofsinger's case. Andrea Matthews is not present.
And that matter set for 9:50. It's now 10:00.
So, let me give her Mr. Rosario uh name.
I've got to advise him of his rights.
Luke, you've got commitments somewhere else, so I'm going to do yours. It appears to be a default. then we'll come back to uh uh Rosario. Thank you, Your Honor.
Good morning to you.
Good morning. This is file number 26930.
Let's see if I have anybody in the waiting room.
I don't.
Title of the case is Dvorak LLC versus Andrew Matthews or any other occupants.
>> [snorts] >> Uh Luke Nofsinger is here on behalf of the plaintiff.
And owner Mr. Dvorak is here.
>> [clears throat] >> We have service by attachment.
And I don't have a second mailing, so I'm going to have to adjourn this for 7 days. We've got a substantial arrearage.
And at the time of filing Uh what is the I got the court costs?
What's the $6,000 is the current arrearage.
Yes, Judge, and it will be 6750 as of June 1st. Um I did do the supplemental mailing on April >> Oh, did you? Yeah, April 29th.
Maybe I missed it.
Let me look at the electronic version.
Uh has the defendant vacated?
Mark, you're on mute.
>> [clears throat] >> Mr. Dvorak is the defendant still there?
I think he's trying to unmute here.
Judge.
>> All right. Well, I guess it doesn't matter. The defendant isn't here. You did do a supplemental mailing.
You sent me a judgment.
Problem is we're still in the month of May.
Don't know if the defendant is there or not.
Am Am I there now?
There you go. Yes. Is the defendant still there?
>> me a minute to figure Okay, yes, he is.
Uh and and they are um other people that are not on the on the lease as well.
All right.
Andrew Matthews and all other occupants are subject to default. They owe $6,000 of rent through May.
$382 and costs for total of $6,188.52.
Mr. Nolsinger represented that he has done a second mailing.
They have 10 days from the date to vacate or they'll be subject to being evicted. 10 days from today would be uh June 1st.
No money judgment is entered at this time.
It got a little backed up, which happens, but Mr. Nelsinger's at the courthouse in Three Rivers and his services are needed in this other court, so I wanted to get him on his way. I appreciate it, Judge.
Thank you.
All right. You've got 10 days. I expect they probably won't pay. You'll be asking for a writ of eviction.
Have a good weekend, Judge. Thank you.
Working on it.
All right. We've got some clunky cases coming up, as if they weren't clunky enough, but let's take up Art Icorn and Jose Rosario.
Uh, Mr. [snorts] Evora, I'll remove you from the queue here.
Thank you.
All right. Mr. Rosario has heard these rights before, but I'm going to take a minute and advise him of his rights as a tenant in a landlord-tenant proceeding.
This is filed as a demand for non-payment of rent.
Rent is due for our Make sure I got this right.
Yes, non-payment of rent.
Um, your landlord is asking you to pay the rent or move.
As such, you have a right to hire a lawyer.
If you cannot afford an attorney, you can see if Legal Aid would be willing to represent you, but we do not have court-appointed counsel for landlord-tenant cases.
If you had a trial, you'd have a right to have it heard here in St. Joseph County where the property is located.
If you had a trial, you'd have the right to have a jury trial. And if you wish to have a jury trial, you must tell me at this first court appearance and make the demand in writing within 5 days and pay the $50 fee unless the judge waives the fee for your inability to pay it.
If both parties are interested, the court can uh perhaps set this for mediation.
Uh if both parties are interested, the court can help make that happen.
You may be able to reach an agreement with the landlord that means a conditional order of of dismissal would be entered if both parties can reach an agreement. The court could assist in preparing that document.
And you may be able to get emergency financial assistance from Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Community Action Agency, Neighborhoods Inc., the veterans, or other possible emergency funding sources.
Uh Mr. Eichhorn, what is the current arrearage?
So, um I've got $1,345 in rent is owed and electric bill and and that would be through uh June the 9th.
$1,345 and electric bill of $43.41.
Uh a late fee of $20 and then court costs of $114.92 for a total of $1,503.33.
Mr. Rosario did make a payment on May 10th of $500.
So, that takes the total down to $1,023.33.
All right, let's back up.
How much is the rent through May?
Through May, it's $1,345.
And he's paid $510?
Just $500.
$500.
All right, 1345 - 500 is 845.
And we have a $43.41 $20 late.
Let's add that up. 845 + 43.41 + 20 is 908.41.
And if we add 114.92 in costs we get 1023.33.
That's correct.
>> Uh All right, Mr. Rosario, what's your plan?
>> [clears throat] >> You need to unmute your mic.
>> [clears throat] >> I Okay.
>> I got stuff going off here.
Now I can't hear you or see you. So, that's a Uh okay. Uh can you hear me now?
Yes, I can.
Okay, sorry. I had to go to this new area. It's not letting me unmute it.
Okay, sorry.
>> I can hear you. So, what's your plan?
Are you going to try to get caught up on this? Oh, yes. Yes. Uh like I I discussed with Art I'm working right now.
Uh the job pays pretty good.
Uh all I need is about a month.
Everything will be all squared away.
Now Now, I did Now, I did bring Neighborhood Aid in. I was accepted.
>> [clears throat] >> Uh and they sent Art the the paperwork.
He didn't want to work with Neighborhood Aid to uh get the relief that they were offering me.
That's That's not quite accurate. I tried working with them to get instructions on how to fill out the paperwork.
And she didn't get back with me to let me know how to fill it out or anything like >> Well, we're also then going to be into June. Uh I'm in interested that neighbor You don't have as much discretion to dis dis to not participate in these funding programs that we used to have.
I'm going to continue this to June 1st at 2:40.
Uh Judge, uh 2:40 might not work. Two uh 2:40 might not work. I do go to work uh at 2:00 on on the 1st, sir.
Well, I don't have a morning I don't have a Well, wait a minute. I do No, I don't have a morning.
Uh >> Okay. Well, I'll I'll I'll I I will let my my my bosses know and um they'll they'll let me out.
They'll they're they're going to have to.
>> [laughter] >> All right. Well, you can do it from your car. Now, if you pay it, you don't even need to come.
So, Mr. Eichorn, uh Mr. Osario, you call Neighborhood Inc.
and say that Mr. Eichorn is waiting to hear further instructions from you.
Okay.
>> Mr. Eichorn, you have more obligation to accept these funding sources than you did at one time. At one time, if a landlord didn't wish to participate, they didn't have to. They changed the rules. And if the funding is available, you have to accept it.
So, I've adjourned this matter 10 days rather than seven to June 1st at 2:40.
Uh he's made some payments. You continue to make payments. If you get help from Neighborhood Inc., that will certainly be calculated into the equation. But, the matter is continued to June 1st at 2:40.
Yes, [snorts] sir.
All right. Anybody have any questions?
Uh Mr. Eichorn, you're always welcome to come in live like this. I'm not afraid to have you in the courtroom. I put you in that room in case we need to do a breakout room.
But, uh you're always welcome to come live to the court.
All right.
We'll revisit this. Thank you.
Thank you, Your Honor. Have yourself a great day. You too, Art. Have a good day.
Okay.
You too, Art.
I'll put the waiting room in the waiting room. All right. Next up, we have Fox vs. Sword. That's set for a Looks like we got a break.
9:50 and we don't resume until 11:00.
We're about 25 minutes behind. It could be all right. So, we're going to have a 45-minute recess here. Then we have three cases all in short order starting at 11:00. So, we'll take a recess.
We will be back.
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