1 00:00:00,700 --> 00:00:05,200 You described yourself as a poor student going to USC. 2 00:00:05,266 --> 00:00:06,934 Yes, I was very happy to find her home. 3 00:00:07,000 --> 00:00:08,834 You just wanted to feel safe. 4 00:00:08,900 --> 00:00:12,533 But instead faced with a predatory landlord. 5 00:00:12,600 --> 00:00:15,233 There was no heating and my bedroom had no ventilation. 6 00:00:15,300 --> 00:00:18,066 You've been getting sick and you're just on death's door. 7 00:00:18,133 --> 00:00:21,200 So you were too sick to pay rent, 8 00:00:21,266 --> 00:00:23,767 but not too sick to go on a backpacking trip. 9 00:00:23,834 --> 00:00:26,533 -During that weekend, I was well. -Miraculously cured. 10 00:00:26,600 --> 00:00:29,834 -Do you hear yourself? -I thought USC was a good school. 11 00:00:29,900 --> 00:00:32,600 I thought that when people graduate, they must have learned something. 12 00:00:32,667 --> 00:00:34,800 You have just proven the opposite of that. 13 00:00:34,867 --> 00:00:36,200 Education has been falling. 14 00:00:36,266 --> 00:00:38,467 Because they're letting morons like you in school. 15 00:00:38,533 --> 00:00:41,033 [narrator] Now on Tribunal Justice. 16 00:00:41,100 --> 00:00:42,500 [theme music playing] 17 00:01:02,967 --> 00:01:06,367 [narrator] Today's case was filed in Los Angeles, California. 18 00:01:06,834 --> 00:01:11,333 Your Honor, this is Case #3060, Tong versus Deng. 19 00:01:11,400 --> 00:01:13,667 All parties have been sworn in. You may be seated. 20 00:01:13,734 --> 00:01:15,633 -[Levy] Thank you, Cassandra. -[Britt] You're welcome. 21 00:01:15,700 --> 00:01:18,233 -Okay, Miss Tong. -Mm-hmm. 22 00:01:18,300 --> 00:01:22,533 [Levy] You're suing your former tenant, Mr. Deng, for unpaid rent, 23 00:01:22,600 --> 00:01:26,600 eviction service fees, and others. The total amount of your damages 24 00:01:26,667 --> 00:01:30,600 that you are suing here for is $3,479. 25 00:01:30,667 --> 00:01:31,834 -Correct. -[Levy] Mr. Deng, 26 00:01:31,900 --> 00:01:34,265 according to your answer, you described yourself 27 00:01:34,333 --> 00:01:37,934 as a poor student going to USC. 28 00:01:38,000 --> 00:01:43,133 You asked the Plaintiff multiple times to fix the issues in the house 29 00:01:43,200 --> 00:01:45,166 that made it uninhabitable. 30 00:01:45,233 --> 00:01:47,133 -And she refused. -That is correct. 31 00:01:47,200 --> 00:01:51,233 [Levy] Furthermore, you also asked her to consider your financial constraints 32 00:01:51,300 --> 00:01:55,300 and that you just wanted peace and to feel safe in your home, 33 00:01:55,366 --> 00:01:59,667 but instead you were faced with a predatory landlord 34 00:01:59,734 --> 00:02:02,333 -which was a lot for anyone to deal with. -Yes. 35 00:02:02,400 --> 00:02:05,900 Alright, Miss Tong, tell us about the home that you rented to the Defendant. 36 00:02:05,967 --> 00:02:09,500 It is a two-bedroom, single-family house. 37 00:02:09,567 --> 00:02:13,633 My husband and I use it at our home for a very long time. 38 00:02:13,700 --> 00:02:16,633 He used to go to USC as well. 39 00:02:16,700 --> 00:02:19,100 Uh, we bought it in 2010. 40 00:02:19,166 --> 00:02:24,367 Last year we relocated to Santa Clara, so we rent it out. 41 00:02:24,433 --> 00:02:25,966 -Um... -[Levy] That's smart. 42 00:02:26,033 --> 00:02:27,166 -Thank you. -Mm-hmm. 43 00:02:27,233 --> 00:02:28,734 -It's two-bedroom. -Yes. 44 00:02:28,800 --> 00:02:30,867 [Levy] Alright, tell us about this lease. 45 00:02:30,934 --> 00:02:34,333 -It's a five-month short-term lease. -When did it start? When did it end? 46 00:02:34,400 --> 00:02:39,000 It starts from August 1st and ends at December 31st, 2024. 47 00:02:39,066 --> 00:02:40,500 How much was the rent? 48 00:02:40,567 --> 00:02:45,900 The rent is $1,625 with Mr. Deng for one bedroom. 49 00:02:45,966 --> 00:02:48,834 [Levy] And so security deposit was also $1,625. 50 00:02:48,900 --> 00:02:50,333 Also $1,625, yes. 51 00:02:50,400 --> 00:02:53,966 And according to my review of the lease, ma'am, you are responsible 52 00:02:54,033 --> 00:02:55,767 -for the repairs, correct? -Yes. 53 00:02:55,834 --> 00:02:59,400 [Levy] And you, sir, are responsible to promptly notify the landlord 54 00:02:59,466 --> 00:03:01,000 of the need for any such repairs. 55 00:03:01,066 --> 00:03:02,100 -Correct? -Correct. 56 00:03:02,166 --> 00:03:04,867 [Levy] This is in the rules and regulations. 57 00:03:04,934 --> 00:03:08,000 Any notice required by the terms of this lease agreement 58 00:03:08,066 --> 00:03:10,967 shall be in writing via email. Correct? 59 00:03:11,033 --> 00:03:12,133 -Correct. -[Levy] Correct, sir? 60 00:03:12,200 --> 00:03:13,100 -Yes. -[Levy] Good. 61 00:03:13,166 --> 00:03:17,966 If the tenant, that was you, sir, vacates the premises before the end of the lease, 62 00:03:18,033 --> 00:03:22,433 the premises is considered abandoned and the landlord may take the full amount 63 00:03:22,500 --> 00:03:25,166 of the security deposit. That's what you signed. Correct? 64 00:03:25,233 --> 00:03:27,266 -Correct. -[Levy] All right. August first. 65 00:03:27,333 --> 00:03:29,567 Now, you say that the Defendant moved in. 66 00:03:29,966 --> 00:03:31,900 -Mm-hmm. -[Levy] Great. Can we take a look now 67 00:03:31,966 --> 00:03:35,233 at photographs of the move-in date, the way the home looked? 68 00:03:35,300 --> 00:03:39,400 Can we take a look at 01? Then 02. Then 03. 69 00:03:40,100 --> 00:03:41,900 This is 01. 70 00:03:41,966 --> 00:03:47,166 So this is the way that the Defendant's bedroom looked on August 1st. 71 00:03:47,233 --> 00:03:48,700 -[Tong] Yes. -[Levy] Sir, is that correct? 72 00:03:48,767 --> 00:03:50,633 -That's the general idea, yes. -[Levy] Thank you. 73 00:03:50,700 --> 00:03:52,500 And 02, please. 74 00:03:52,567 --> 00:03:55,000 And is that, sir, the way the bathroom looked when you moved in? 75 00:03:55,066 --> 00:03:57,567 -[Deng] Yes. -[Levy] Can we go to 03, please? 76 00:03:59,066 --> 00:04:01,467 [Levy] Sir, is that way the kitchen looked when you moved in? 77 00:04:01,533 --> 00:04:02,900 -[Deng] Yes. -[Levy] Thank you. 78 00:04:02,967 --> 00:04:07,700 Now, on August 31st, 2024, there was an incident 79 00:04:07,767 --> 00:04:09,767 -at the home, is that correct? -[Tong] Yes. 80 00:04:09,834 --> 00:04:10,967 [Levy] What happens then? 81 00:04:11,033 --> 00:04:17,033 So that day, uh, my gardener reported that he smelled gas 82 00:04:17,100 --> 00:04:19,733 while he was doing the yard work outside. 83 00:04:19,800 --> 00:04:25,467 Um, I tried to reach out to Mr. Deng and I couldn't reach him at first. 84 00:04:25,533 --> 00:04:28,667 Later I, uh, realized that he was traveling. 85 00:04:28,734 --> 00:04:32,367 Um, so I called the gas company immediately. 86 00:04:32,767 --> 00:04:36,967 They came and fixed the issue. They found that it was the flex pipe 87 00:04:37,033 --> 00:04:39,900 of the water heater that is located in the basement. 88 00:04:40,433 --> 00:04:42,900 That was leaking. So they replaced that flex pipe, 89 00:04:42,967 --> 00:04:45,700 fixed the issue and checked everything, 90 00:04:45,767 --> 00:04:47,667 all the appliances and put everything back. 91 00:04:47,734 --> 00:04:50,433 [Levy] I see, sir, that you have something in front of you, is that correct? 92 00:04:50,500 --> 00:04:54,867 Yes, this is the flex pipe with the hole that was leaking the gas. 93 00:04:54,933 --> 00:04:58,300 [Levy] Okay, thank you. Could we also put up 04, please? 94 00:04:58,667 --> 00:05:02,066 That shows the hole in the pipe that had caused the gas leak. 95 00:05:02,133 --> 00:05:05,100 And on the right is the fix and the problem was solved. 96 00:05:05,166 --> 00:05:06,834 -[Levy] Is that correct, sir? -That is correct. 97 00:05:06,900 --> 00:05:09,600 [Levy] Now, when you were home, you didn't smell any gas, did you? 98 00:05:10,000 --> 00:05:13,367 No. It's because it was in an undisclosed basement. 99 00:05:13,433 --> 00:05:14,800 So I didn't even know about. 100 00:05:14,867 --> 00:05:19,834 But Mr. Deng, according to your answer, you say that on October 10th, 2024, 101 00:05:19,900 --> 00:05:22,667 you filed a complaint with the health department, correct? 102 00:05:22,734 --> 00:05:25,233 -Yes. -[Levy] And what was it that you claimed 103 00:05:25,300 --> 00:05:29,200 to have told them that resulted in what you provided us with, 104 00:05:29,266 --> 00:05:31,667 which was a confirmation notice? 105 00:05:32,633 --> 00:05:37,433 So what was it that you told them that caused them to open up a case 106 00:05:37,500 --> 00:05:38,900 against the Plaintiff? 107 00:05:39,332 --> 00:05:44,100 Uh, first, there was no heating ever since the pipe was fixed. 108 00:05:44,166 --> 00:05:48,500 So from the duration of September all the way until-- 109 00:05:48,567 --> 00:05:51,433 September one. And by the way, you're in Los Angeles, right? 110 00:05:51,500 --> 00:05:53,200 Yes. So there was no heating at that time. 111 00:05:53,266 --> 00:05:55,867 It wasn't a problem because frankly, it wasn't that cold. 112 00:05:55,933 --> 00:06:00,900 Also, there was mold in the ceiling and my bedroom had no ventilation. 113 00:06:00,967 --> 00:06:05,200 So basically I couldn't smell gas because I don't have a window that opens 114 00:06:05,266 --> 00:06:08,500 and the AC unit just recirculates interior air. 115 00:06:08,567 --> 00:06:12,133 So I have no way of just smelling the gas. 116 00:06:12,200 --> 00:06:14,967 You would have no way of knowing whether or not that hole 117 00:06:15,033 --> 00:06:18,233 was created on August 31st or some day any time before. 118 00:06:18,300 --> 00:06:19,633 You had no idea when that started? 119 00:06:19,700 --> 00:06:21,967 Yeah, I had no idea. By the looks of it, it's really old. 120 00:06:22,033 --> 00:06:23,433 [Levy] No, I get it's really old. 121 00:06:23,500 --> 00:06:26,367 Now, I know that you go to USC. You go to the business school, correct? 122 00:06:26,433 --> 00:06:29,200 -Yes. -[Levy] Do you have any expertise in mold? 123 00:06:29,266 --> 00:06:30,533 Uh, no, that's why I called them. 124 00:06:30,600 --> 00:06:33,233 They said they would come and get an inspector over. 125 00:06:33,300 --> 00:06:36,834 -I never saw an inspector. -But you classified it as mold. 126 00:06:36,900 --> 00:06:38,834 It was black. It was fuzzy. 127 00:06:38,900 --> 00:06:41,700 Well, listen, there's a lot of black and fuzzy things, 128 00:06:41,767 --> 00:06:42,834 but it doesn't mean it's mold. 129 00:06:42,900 --> 00:06:44,967 You didn't show the photographs that I took, Your Honor. 130 00:06:45,033 --> 00:06:47,533 You know what? Let's take a look at the photograph. 131 00:06:47,600 --> 00:06:49,900 09 was a hood stove. 132 00:06:49,967 --> 00:06:52,600 [Deng] Um, I was using it because I thought this was okay. 133 00:06:52,667 --> 00:06:55,800 By the way, he did notify you about that, correct? 134 00:06:55,867 --> 00:06:56,933 -Correct -Yes. 135 00:06:57,000 --> 00:06:59,667 [Levy] And what did you do once he provided you with notice of that? 136 00:06:59,734 --> 00:07:01,200 -I replaced it. -[Levy] Yes, you did. 137 00:07:01,266 --> 00:07:04,800 He provided you with that notice in September of 2024. 138 00:07:04,867 --> 00:07:07,934 You promptly replaced it with a brand-new range hood 139 00:07:08,000 --> 00:07:11,667 delivered on September 9th and installed on September 11th. 140 00:07:11,734 --> 00:07:12,734 -Yes. -[Levy] Yes? 141 00:07:12,800 --> 00:07:14,533 -Yes. -[Levy] So now we know 142 00:07:14,600 --> 00:07:18,100 that if you provide her with notice, she fixes it. 143 00:07:18,166 --> 00:07:21,533 That's your experience with her as of September. 144 00:07:21,600 --> 00:07:23,700 -Hindsight's always-- -No, not hindsight! 145 00:07:23,767 --> 00:07:26,266 You know in September. Wha-- 146 00:07:26,332 --> 00:07:29,633 -Is, is he, ma'am... -Mm-hmm. 147 00:07:29,700 --> 00:07:31,533 -Yes. -[Levy] Thank you. 148 00:07:31,600 --> 00:07:35,500 I would like you to please show me the email that you sent to her 149 00:07:35,567 --> 00:07:37,467 prior to calling the authorities 150 00:07:37,533 --> 00:07:40,433 that she has not provided you with some proper service 151 00:07:40,500 --> 00:07:42,133 or created a dangerous condition. 152 00:07:42,200 --> 00:07:45,834 I do not have this email because she told me multiple times that-- 153 00:07:45,900 --> 00:07:47,266 [Levy] Nope, nope, nope, nope. 154 00:07:47,332 --> 00:07:50,233 Did you ever tell him to disregard the lease with respect to notice provisions? 155 00:07:50,300 --> 00:07:51,533 -No, -[Levy] Right, I don't believe 156 00:07:51,600 --> 00:07:52,867 -she said that to you. -Okay. 157 00:07:52,933 --> 00:07:58,266 So now I want you to show me some proof that the Plaintiff was provided 158 00:07:58,332 --> 00:08:01,934 by you with a copy of this notice when you got it. 159 00:08:02,000 --> 00:08:04,467 -I do not have such. -So you never notified her. 160 00:08:04,533 --> 00:08:05,767 -Right? -Right. 161 00:08:05,834 --> 00:08:10,033 [Levy] And would it be fair to say that the first time that you became aware 162 00:08:10,100 --> 00:08:13,667 of any of the issues that he's raising here today 163 00:08:14,100 --> 00:08:15,333 was what day? 164 00:08:15,400 --> 00:08:18,467 November 4th, when he first emailed me about those conditions. 165 00:08:18,533 --> 00:08:20,332 -[Levy] You agree with that? -That is correct. 166 00:08:20,400 --> 00:08:23,000 -Written email notice, yes. -[Levy] Why? 167 00:08:23,066 --> 00:08:27,500 Because, uh, multiple times in the previous exchanges, for example, 168 00:08:27,567 --> 00:08:32,066 on September 2nd, number one, she agreed that this is very old 169 00:08:32,133 --> 00:08:35,066 -and second, and I quote-- -[Levy] No, no, no, no, no-- 170 00:08:35,133 --> 00:08:38,667 -[Deng] Her gardener said-- -No, as soon as she knew about that, 171 00:08:38,734 --> 00:08:41,834 she fixed it. What I'm referring to is that pipe-- 172 00:08:41,900 --> 00:08:43,866 She knew about the gas leak before. 173 00:08:43,933 --> 00:08:47,467 No, no, she knew about it August 31st. You know what? I get it. 174 00:08:47,533 --> 00:08:49,266 -I get it. -Her gardener said-- 175 00:08:49,333 --> 00:08:51,066 Maybe Judge Acker has more questions about that. 176 00:08:51,133 --> 00:08:52,367 Thank you. Thank you, sir. 177 00:08:52,433 --> 00:08:55,633 Just so we can clarify a few things, Miss Tong, 178 00:08:55,700 --> 00:08:59,867 -it's a 100-plus-year-old Victorian home. -Exactly. 179 00:08:59,934 --> 00:09:03,166 [Acker] That's in an historic preservation overlay zone. 180 00:09:03,233 --> 00:09:04,667 -Yeah. -[Acker] I know that area well. 181 00:09:04,734 --> 00:09:06,400 Really beautiful old homes. 182 00:09:06,467 --> 00:09:09,400 And you were thrilled to find this place, weren't you, sir? 183 00:09:09,467 --> 00:09:11,533 Yes, I was very happy to find it. Yes. 184 00:09:11,600 --> 00:09:15,200 And I note in your answer that one of the bases that you cite 185 00:09:15,266 --> 00:09:18,967 for not paying rent was that because it was so cold 186 00:09:19,033 --> 00:09:21,367 over the four months that you were there, 187 00:09:21,433 --> 00:09:25,100 you had high fevers and ongoing discomfort. 188 00:09:25,166 --> 00:09:26,900 -Tell me a little bit about that. -[Deng] Right. 189 00:09:26,967 --> 00:09:28,133 [dramatic music playing] 190 00:09:28,200 --> 00:09:30,667 [narrator] Coming up on Tribunal Justice. 191 00:09:30,734 --> 00:09:33,700 -That's a very nice suit. -Got it in China. 192 00:09:33,767 --> 00:09:34,734 -Very nice. -Yes. 193 00:09:34,800 --> 00:09:36,900 -Got it in China. -Fits you well. 194 00:09:36,967 --> 00:09:38,467 -Cheap. -It's great. Cheap. 195 00:09:38,533 --> 00:09:40,467 Just approximately what'd you pay for it? 196 00:09:43,200 --> 00:09:44,800 [main theme playing] 197 00:09:45,400 --> 00:09:48,967 [narrator] Landlord Lorelei Tong is suing former tenant Yu Xuan Deng 198 00:09:49,033 --> 00:09:53,165 for nearly $3,500 in unpaid rent and eviction fees. 199 00:09:53,233 --> 00:09:57,100 But Yu Xuan Deng says living conditions were filthy and dangerous, 200 00:09:57,165 --> 00:10:01,667 and his former landlord ignored his concerns, so he owes nothing. 201 00:10:01,734 --> 00:10:04,467 One of the bases that you cite for not paying rent 202 00:10:04,533 --> 00:10:09,667 was that because it was so cold over the four months that you were there, 203 00:10:09,734 --> 00:10:13,533 you had high fevers and ongoing discomfort. 204 00:10:13,600 --> 00:10:15,400 -Tell me a little bit about that. -[Deng] Right. 205 00:10:15,467 --> 00:10:18,533 Mostly in October onwards, but initially-- 206 00:10:18,600 --> 00:10:21,934 [Acker] October onwards. So that was when you started to get really sick? 207 00:10:22,000 --> 00:10:23,100 -Yeah. -[Acker] But not so sick 208 00:10:23,166 --> 00:10:24,900 that you couldn't take a backpacking trip. 209 00:10:24,967 --> 00:10:26,834 Can we put up Exhibit six? 210 00:10:26,900 --> 00:10:28,433 [Deng] I went on a budget backpacking trip. 211 00:10:28,500 --> 00:10:31,100 -[Acker] On a budget backpacking trip. -[Deng] Yes. 212 00:10:31,166 --> 00:10:35,165 [Acker] So you were too sick to pay rent, but not too sick to go 213 00:10:35,233 --> 00:10:37,133 -on a budget backpacking trip -During that weekend, 214 00:10:37,200 --> 00:10:39,600 -I was well. -[Acker] Miraculously cured. 215 00:10:39,667 --> 00:10:41,000 -[laughing] -[Acker] That's so funny. 216 00:10:41,066 --> 00:10:42,367 It just, it doesn't fly. 217 00:10:42,433 --> 00:10:44,467 But maybe student life is different. 218 00:10:44,533 --> 00:10:48,033 Okay, so let's refer to your email on November 3rd 219 00:10:48,100 --> 00:10:52,734 because now this is long after the period when you've discovered 220 00:10:52,800 --> 00:10:56,033 that you've been getting sick and having high fevers and... 221 00:10:56,100 --> 00:10:57,633 -Yes. -You're just on death's door. 222 00:10:57,700 --> 00:11:00,600 But only during the week, not for the weekend backpacking. 223 00:11:00,667 --> 00:11:04,500 Show me where in this November communication to the Plaintiff 224 00:11:04,567 --> 00:11:09,633 you say to her, these premises are so gosh darn dangerous 225 00:11:09,700 --> 00:11:12,400 and cold that you should excuse me from the rent. 226 00:11:12,467 --> 00:11:14,700 -Um, I didn't tell her here because-- -[Acker] No, you did not. 227 00:11:14,767 --> 00:11:15,934 What did you say? 228 00:11:16,000 --> 00:11:18,500 Um, I said that I was on a budget backpacking trip 229 00:11:18,567 --> 00:11:21,500 -and I will try my best to pay the rent. -[Acker] What did you say? 230 00:11:21,567 --> 00:11:22,600 What was your response? 231 00:11:22,667 --> 00:11:26,166 Well, I offered him a way to settle this, you know, 232 00:11:26,233 --> 00:11:28,133 I said pay me the last month's rent. 233 00:11:28,200 --> 00:11:32,433 I have his deposit plus the 399 dollars, 234 00:11:32,500 --> 00:11:36,000 uh, that I paid to the eviction service company. 235 00:11:36,066 --> 00:11:38,500 Um, I offered that settlement for him and I didn't-- 236 00:11:38,567 --> 00:11:40,433 -[Acker] What was his response? -No response. 237 00:11:40,500 --> 00:11:44,300 Miss Yan, could you take the stand, please? 238 00:11:44,567 --> 00:11:45,567 Yes. 239 00:11:45,633 --> 00:11:48,467 [Acker] The Defendant has brought you here today as a witness. 240 00:11:48,533 --> 00:11:50,200 -Mm-hmm. Yes. -[Acker] You submitted 241 00:11:50,266 --> 00:11:52,266 -a sworn witness statement. -Correct. 242 00:11:52,333 --> 00:11:55,700 You say the house was always really cold, which made it uncomfortable. 243 00:11:55,767 --> 00:11:57,367 -[Yan] Yes. -Throughout Yu's stay, 244 00:11:57,433 --> 00:12:00,700 I would go to the house two to three times per week to study, 245 00:12:00,767 --> 00:12:02,100 -eat dinner or hang out. -Yes. 246 00:12:02,166 --> 00:12:03,934 -[Acker] But you had your own apartment. -Correct. 247 00:12:04,000 --> 00:12:07,233 So why were you hanging out three times a week in this cold, dank, 248 00:12:07,300 --> 00:12:08,867 freezing, uncomfortable place? 249 00:12:08,934 --> 00:12:11,767 I mean, we were dating for five years. He's my boyfriend. 250 00:12:11,834 --> 00:12:13,600 -So obviously-- -[Acker] Study in the library. 251 00:12:13,667 --> 00:12:14,934 -No. -[Acker] How? 252 00:12:15,000 --> 00:12:17,734 -I'm talking to the two of you... -[Yan] Yeah. 253 00:12:17,800 --> 00:12:20,667 ...as respectfully as I can. How dumb do you think we are? 254 00:12:20,734 --> 00:12:22,100 We don't think you're dumb, Your Honor. 255 00:12:22,166 --> 00:12:25,533 You bring your girlfriend to court to say the house was horrible. 256 00:12:25,600 --> 00:12:27,000 And she's a slumlord. 257 00:12:27,066 --> 00:12:30,767 I felt like I was in a dungeon. But we had to be there three days a week. 258 00:12:30,834 --> 00:12:33,467 But he shouldn't have to pay his rent. Because I saw the statement 259 00:12:33,533 --> 00:12:35,834 that you presented. I'm going to work really hard 260 00:12:35,900 --> 00:12:38,233 to find every loophole I can 261 00:12:38,300 --> 00:12:40,333 so I don't have to pay my rent. 262 00:12:40,400 --> 00:12:42,734 It is a shocking degree of entitlement. 263 00:12:42,800 --> 00:12:45,767 -Judge DiMango. -Oh, Mr. Deng. 264 00:12:45,834 --> 00:12:48,533 -Yes, Your Honor. -You are a deceitful, 265 00:12:48,600 --> 00:12:51,467 -misrepresenting opportunist... -[Deng laughing] 266 00:12:51,734 --> 00:12:55,133 ...with the support of a similarly opportunist girlfriend. 267 00:12:55,200 --> 00:12:57,433 -So you can have a seat. -I have-- 268 00:12:57,500 --> 00:12:59,333 [DiMango] You can have a seat. 269 00:12:59,400 --> 00:13:01,567 You know, I'm looking at your suit. 270 00:13:01,633 --> 00:13:04,300 -That's a very nice suit. -Got it in China. 271 00:13:04,367 --> 00:13:06,200 -[DiMango] Very nice. -Yes. Got it in China. 272 00:13:06,266 --> 00:13:07,934 -[DiMango] Fits you well. -Cheap. 273 00:13:08,000 --> 00:13:09,033 [DiMango] It's great. Cheap. 274 00:13:09,100 --> 00:13:11,066 Just approximately. What'd you pay for it? 275 00:13:11,133 --> 00:13:13,133 Oh, about like, let me think. 276 00:13:13,200 --> 00:13:15,100 [DiMango] Oh, you don't know. You're making it up now. 277 00:13:15,166 --> 00:13:16,900 You just want to see what you think's gonna work. 278 00:13:16,967 --> 00:13:19,266 The bottom line is, instead of buying that beautiful suit, 279 00:13:19,333 --> 00:13:21,834 you should've given her money for rent. 280 00:13:22,166 --> 00:13:23,834 When did you travel to China? 281 00:13:24,266 --> 00:13:27,467 Oh, I traveled. I went back to see my family multiple occasions. 282 00:13:27,533 --> 00:13:29,133 Yes. Airfare is expensive. 283 00:13:29,200 --> 00:13:31,200 -I would think, right? -I even told my parents. 284 00:13:31,266 --> 00:13:33,633 I told them to stop buying me plane tickets-- 285 00:13:33,700 --> 00:13:36,200 Stop taking care of me. Stop buying me tickets. 286 00:13:36,266 --> 00:13:39,165 My family literally skips meal in order for me to go to USC. 287 00:13:39,467 --> 00:13:41,800 -[DiMango] Yeah. -And they really, really, really 288 00:13:41,867 --> 00:13:44,266 want me to be there because they miss me. 289 00:13:44,333 --> 00:13:46,233 [DiMango] They do. But you know what the problem is? 290 00:13:46,300 --> 00:13:48,767 They don't know what you're doing where you're living. 291 00:13:48,834 --> 00:13:52,266 I tried my best to give her money, and I didn't make all these complaints before. 292 00:13:52,333 --> 00:13:55,033 -You tried your best to give her money. -By coming-- 293 00:13:55,100 --> 00:13:58,800 -[DiMango] Was she refusing it? -No, she wouldn't refuse no money. 294 00:13:58,867 --> 00:14:01,500 -[DiMango] Of course. She's a land-- -She's greedy. 295 00:14:01,567 --> 00:14:03,500 -[DiMango] What did you just say? -She's very greedy. 296 00:14:03,567 --> 00:14:04,734 -Yeah. -[DiMango] Oh, oh. 297 00:14:04,800 --> 00:14:08,600 She didn't notify me of the court hearing until nine days before the hearing. 298 00:14:08,667 --> 00:14:11,633 I can't even submit evidence. She knows I'm in Canada. 299 00:14:11,700 --> 00:14:14,467 What were you doing in Canada? You got family there too? 300 00:14:14,533 --> 00:14:16,533 -No, I graduated in the summer. -[DiMango] Oh. 301 00:14:16,600 --> 00:14:20,066 I told her many times. And she even submitted an eviction claim against me. 302 00:14:20,133 --> 00:14:22,633 When I told her multiple times I'm going to Canada. 303 00:14:22,700 --> 00:14:24,800 -[DiMango] Oh, you know-- -She filed an eviction-- 304 00:14:24,867 --> 00:14:25,934 -[DiMango] Just a second. -Yes. 305 00:14:26,000 --> 00:14:30,200 'Cause you did say here, instead of working with me, 306 00:14:30,266 --> 00:14:32,400 she immediately threatened eviction. 307 00:14:32,467 --> 00:14:35,333 We just had proof that she did work with you. 308 00:14:35,400 --> 00:14:39,165 She did say, and it's in messages here, that she was willing 309 00:14:39,233 --> 00:14:41,967 to have you pay a certain amount of money 310 00:14:42,033 --> 00:14:45,066 and use your security deposit towards the balance. 311 00:14:45,133 --> 00:14:46,867 So she was willing to work with you. 312 00:14:46,934 --> 00:14:48,700 -That moment, yes. -[DiMango] Sir, yes. 313 00:14:48,767 --> 00:14:50,433 That moment, yes, but before, no. 314 00:14:50,500 --> 00:14:55,800 Then you say here on November 2024, I encountered financial difficulties. 315 00:14:55,867 --> 00:14:57,433 Not that you had those difficulties before, 316 00:14:57,500 --> 00:14:58,700 but that's when you did. 317 00:14:58,767 --> 00:15:02,533 -But I still managed to pay my rent... -[both] On time every month, 318 00:15:02,600 --> 00:15:06,033 except that next month you were going to be late. 319 00:15:06,100 --> 00:15:07,467 -So I mean-- -[Deng] Yes. 320 00:15:07,533 --> 00:15:09,133 Do you hear yourself? 321 00:15:09,200 --> 00:15:12,767 First of all, you, I don't know if you're as bad as he is, but keep your eyes open 322 00:15:12,834 --> 00:15:14,834 because if this is the way he's lying to us, 323 00:15:14,900 --> 00:15:16,900 I would keep track of his every move. 324 00:15:16,967 --> 00:15:18,734 Because he's going to be lying to you too. 325 00:15:18,800 --> 00:15:20,166 [dramatic music playing] 326 00:15:20,233 --> 00:15:22,867 [narrator] Coming up on Tribunal Justice. 327 00:15:22,934 --> 00:15:23,834 Let me tell you something. 328 00:15:23,900 --> 00:15:26,367 If you did this to me... [laughs] 329 00:15:26,433 --> 00:15:28,333 ...we would have had a much different experience. 330 00:15:28,400 --> 00:15:31,033 -This is what you said-- -You've been way more reasonable. 331 00:15:31,100 --> 00:15:32,333 You think I'm more reasonable? 332 00:15:32,400 --> 00:15:33,467 You are a moron. 333 00:15:36,300 --> 00:15:38,300 [main theme playing] 334 00:15:38,467 --> 00:15:42,533 [narrator] Lorelei Tong says former tenant, Yu Xuan Deng, only had excuses 335 00:15:42,600 --> 00:15:45,200 for not paying rent while he took weekend trips. 336 00:15:45,266 --> 00:15:49,100 She's suing for almost $3,500 in rent and eviction fees. 337 00:15:49,165 --> 00:15:53,333 But Yu Xuan Deng says uninhabitable conditions made him sick. 338 00:15:53,400 --> 00:15:57,800 He's reported her to the city, and she needs to pay for his suffering. 339 00:15:57,867 --> 00:16:01,100 I'm not so sure why you think you're the perfect tenant. 340 00:16:01,166 --> 00:16:04,033 I am not so sure why you're here at all. Because other than... 341 00:16:04,100 --> 00:16:06,467 -you want to scam her out of the rent-- -Why doesn't-- 342 00:16:06,533 --> 00:16:07,934 Why doesn't she double-check? 343 00:16:08,000 --> 00:16:09,934 Make sure everything is safe before? I mean-- 344 00:16:10,000 --> 00:16:12,533 -[DiMango] She did. -There's an uninhabitability clause, 345 00:16:12,600 --> 00:16:14,667 implied habitability clause, sorry, Your Honor, 346 00:16:14,734 --> 00:16:17,066 that she has to double-check and make sure everything's good. 347 00:16:17,133 --> 00:16:19,567 [DiMango] And everything was okay until it wasn't. 348 00:16:19,633 --> 00:16:21,433 And when it wasn't, it was fixed. 349 00:16:21,500 --> 00:16:24,033 You can't guarantee that something's never gonna break. 350 00:16:24,100 --> 00:16:27,300 And the only way she finds out if it breaks, based on what you signed 351 00:16:27,367 --> 00:16:31,834 in this lease, was if you notify her by email as to the problem. 352 00:16:31,900 --> 00:16:35,133 And you did not. And when they put that tenant from hell 353 00:16:35,200 --> 00:16:38,000 in the dictionary, your picture pops up glowing 354 00:16:38,066 --> 00:16:40,734 because that's what you are. I don't have anything else 355 00:16:40,800 --> 00:16:42,633 -to say to you. -I do. 356 00:16:42,700 --> 00:16:45,133 -Good. -[laughs] 357 00:16:45,200 --> 00:16:49,133 You know, Mr. Deng, the problem is you kind of laughing this off. 358 00:16:49,767 --> 00:16:51,467 -You live in Canada. -Yes. 359 00:16:51,533 --> 00:16:53,734 [Levy] You here on a student visa at USC? 360 00:16:53,800 --> 00:16:55,200 Not anymore 'cause I graduated. 361 00:16:55,266 --> 00:16:57,767 When you were living in the Plaintiff's home, 362 00:16:58,233 --> 00:17:02,066 filing complaints while you were in violation of your lease 363 00:17:02,133 --> 00:17:03,967 by not giving her written notice, 364 00:17:04,032 --> 00:17:05,900 you were a visitor in our country? 365 00:17:05,967 --> 00:17:09,834 Let me ask you this because this is the woman who was looking for you. 366 00:17:10,433 --> 00:17:14,099 She needed to fill that room because she needed you to do her favor 367 00:17:14,165 --> 00:17:19,967 or, as you said, you missed the deadline for the school housing, 368 00:17:20,032 --> 00:17:24,967 which, quote, "left me in urgent need of accommodations 369 00:17:25,032 --> 00:17:27,200 for the final months of school." 370 00:17:27,266 --> 00:17:28,934 Yes, I was very happy to find her home. 371 00:17:29,000 --> 00:17:32,967 So this is what I see based upon his November 4th email to you. 372 00:17:33,033 --> 00:17:34,266 -Mm-hmm. -[Levy] You say 373 00:17:34,333 --> 00:17:36,867 you filed complaints against the city against you. 374 00:17:36,934 --> 00:17:39,367 This is when you notify her for the first time. 375 00:17:39,433 --> 00:17:42,300 You say to her, at a minimum, you owe me money 376 00:17:42,367 --> 00:17:44,800 for the months that I occupied your home. 377 00:17:44,867 --> 00:17:49,867 The stress and health costs associated with your constant harassment 378 00:17:49,934 --> 00:17:51,967 -and unreasonable demands. -She called me like-- 379 00:17:52,033 --> 00:17:53,700 [Levy] I don't care what you called you. 380 00:17:53,767 --> 00:17:55,500 This is-- We're talking about you now. 381 00:17:55,567 --> 00:17:57,967 Let me tell you something, if you did this to me, 382 00:17:58,033 --> 00:18:01,033 [laughs] we would have had a much different experience. 383 00:18:01,100 --> 00:18:03,834 -[Levy] This is what you said-- -I think you've been way more reasonable. 384 00:18:03,900 --> 00:18:06,133 You think I'm more reasonable? You are a moron. 385 00:18:06,200 --> 00:18:09,400 -If you can solve these problems today... -[indistinct] 386 00:18:09,467 --> 00:18:15,100 ...we can renegotiate terms immediately during renovations and reconstructions. 387 00:18:15,166 --> 00:18:17,734 That's what you think she's going to do as a result of this nonsense 388 00:18:17,800 --> 00:18:22,834 that you told her about. You will pay all the fees of a reasonable 389 00:18:22,900 --> 00:18:25,667 accommodation so I can live somewhere else. 390 00:18:25,734 --> 00:18:30,033 I can file personal bankruptcy tomorrow and I don't see how that 391 00:18:30,100 --> 00:18:32,567 -will be in your best interest. -That is true. 392 00:18:32,633 --> 00:18:35,433 [Levy] You will refund me the rent for August, 393 00:18:35,500 --> 00:18:39,133 for breach of the implied habitability clause, 394 00:18:39,200 --> 00:18:41,767 and you will pay me to live somewhere else 395 00:18:41,834 --> 00:18:44,934 within five miles of the USC campus. 396 00:18:45,000 --> 00:18:48,500 Mr. Visitor to This Country, let me ask you this. 397 00:18:48,567 --> 00:18:50,333 -Your family's in China. -That is correct. 398 00:18:50,400 --> 00:18:53,033 What would happen if I as a student go to China 399 00:18:53,100 --> 00:18:57,100 and I file false documents with the government 400 00:18:57,166 --> 00:19:01,467 in an effort to avoid my financial responsibility 401 00:19:01,533 --> 00:19:02,867 to a Chinese citizen? 402 00:19:02,934 --> 00:19:05,100 What would happen if I did that in China? 403 00:19:05,166 --> 00:19:08,266 I think they would do a better job finding out the other side of the story 404 00:19:08,333 --> 00:19:10,066 instead of just ridicule. 405 00:19:10,133 --> 00:19:12,967 You know, it's amazing. I thought USC was a good school. 406 00:19:13,033 --> 00:19:16,300 I thought that when people graduate from that school, they must be smart. 407 00:19:16,367 --> 00:19:19,233 They must have learned something. You have just proven the absolute 408 00:19:19,300 --> 00:19:22,000 -opposite of that. -Education has been falling. 409 00:19:22,066 --> 00:19:23,500 -[Levy] Yeah, it sure has. -Yup. 410 00:19:23,567 --> 00:19:25,633 And you know why? Because they're letting morons 411 00:19:25,700 --> 00:19:27,934 like you in school. I'm done. 412 00:19:28,000 --> 00:19:30,834 Why didn't you ask your family for help? 413 00:19:30,900 --> 00:19:33,166 I did. So, to clarify, 414 00:19:33,233 --> 00:19:36,266 I never went back to China between the duration of my lease. 415 00:19:36,333 --> 00:19:39,066 [Acker] I don't care about the timing of your travels. 416 00:19:39,133 --> 00:19:42,467 Why not ask family for help if they could buy you tickets at some point? 417 00:19:42,533 --> 00:19:44,367 Our company in China went bankrupt. 418 00:19:44,433 --> 00:19:46,367 I am being 100% genuine. 419 00:19:46,433 --> 00:19:49,233 -[Acker] I have no reason to dispute that. -Yeah, yeah. 420 00:19:49,300 --> 00:19:53,967 Why not then say to the Plaintiff, "Hey, listen, my family's out of money, 421 00:19:54,033 --> 00:19:57,400 I don't know what I'm going to do, let me get on a payment plan"? 422 00:19:57,467 --> 00:20:01,533 But your approach instead was to sort of kind of gin up this 423 00:20:01,600 --> 00:20:04,333 completely preposterous case against her. 424 00:20:04,400 --> 00:20:07,166 I made a complaint about the mattress being hairy, dirty. 425 00:20:07,233 --> 00:20:08,667 She said you can go buy new mattress. 426 00:20:08,734 --> 00:20:10,867 I said, please, I don't have that much money. 427 00:20:10,934 --> 00:20:14,266 And at that time I said, you know, my family is going through a hard-- 428 00:20:14,333 --> 00:20:17,166 [Acker] You submitted a picture of a mattress with some hair on it. 429 00:20:17,233 --> 00:20:19,300 -[Deng] That is correct. -[Acker] But do you really think 430 00:20:19,367 --> 00:20:23,033 that a hair on a mattress... Hairs, dust... 431 00:20:23,467 --> 00:20:26,333 Do you think that those are the sorts of conditions that excuse you 432 00:20:26,400 --> 00:20:30,033 -from paying rent? -At that time I was looking for a job. 433 00:20:30,100 --> 00:20:32,133 By the way, the economy is really bad. 434 00:20:32,200 --> 00:20:34,600 -And I've been dying-- -Please put your hand down. 435 00:20:34,667 --> 00:20:36,367 No, this is not school. 436 00:20:36,433 --> 00:20:37,600 I have something to say. 437 00:20:37,667 --> 00:20:40,834 No, I know you have something to say, but I right now don't want to hear it. 438 00:20:41,300 --> 00:20:43,900 -First of all-- -[Acker] No, you keep talking. 439 00:20:43,967 --> 00:20:46,900 -Byrd, take her out. -Ma'am, step this way, please. 440 00:20:47,800 --> 00:20:49,200 [dramatic music playing] 441 00:20:49,266 --> 00:20:51,700 [narrator] Coming up on Tribunal Justice. 442 00:20:51,767 --> 00:20:55,100 I don't really understand why the problem of China keeps coming up. 443 00:20:55,166 --> 00:20:57,333 Because I'm not from China. I'm Canadian. 444 00:20:57,400 --> 00:21:00,233 You know, maybe there's some subtle discrimination going on. 445 00:21:00,300 --> 00:21:02,000 -I don't know-- -[Acker] You brought it up, sir. 446 00:21:02,066 --> 00:21:04,233 You're the one who said Chinese courts were better. 447 00:21:04,300 --> 00:21:05,600 You'd get a fairer hearing. 448 00:21:08,333 --> 00:21:10,400 [main theme playing] 449 00:21:10,467 --> 00:21:13,400 [narrator] Lorelei Tong says former tenant, Yu Xuan Deng, 450 00:21:13,467 --> 00:21:17,133 only had excuses for not paying rent while he took weekend trips. 451 00:21:17,233 --> 00:21:21,433 She's suing for almost $3,500 in rent and eviction fees. 452 00:21:21,500 --> 00:21:25,367 But Yu Xuan Deng says uninhabitable conditions made him sick. 453 00:21:25,433 --> 00:21:29,667 He's reported her to the city, and she needs to pay for his suffering. 454 00:21:29,734 --> 00:21:32,500 You're going to have some real harsh realities coming to you 455 00:21:32,567 --> 00:21:34,900 -in grown-up land, but good luck. -[Deng] Uh... 456 00:21:35,200 --> 00:21:38,133 There's so many things I don't know 'cause it is my first time in America. 457 00:21:38,200 --> 00:21:41,467 It is my first time leasing in America. It is my first time leasing in general. 458 00:21:41,533 --> 00:21:44,000 First time to court. I don't know much of anything, 459 00:21:44,066 --> 00:21:47,200 but I'm doing my best to present at least somewhat 460 00:21:47,266 --> 00:21:50,800 of the case given the time frame and the fact I was in Canada 461 00:21:50,867 --> 00:21:53,333 since I graduated. And I don't really understand 462 00:21:53,400 --> 00:21:55,467 why the problem of China keeps coming up 463 00:21:55,533 --> 00:21:57,633 because I'm not from China, I'm Canadian. 464 00:21:57,700 --> 00:22:00,633 You know, maybe there's some subtle discrimination going on. 465 00:22:00,700 --> 00:22:03,066 I don't know... maybe that's in your mind. 466 00:22:03,133 --> 00:22:05,100 I don't know. I don't make assumptions like that. 467 00:22:05,166 --> 00:22:08,467 But I'm just saying before you deliberate, even though you 468 00:22:08,533 --> 00:22:11,500 probably made up your mind, I'm here to do the best I can 469 00:22:11,567 --> 00:22:13,867 and hopefully get a good result. And that's it. 470 00:22:13,934 --> 00:22:15,000 [Acker] You brought it up, sir. 471 00:22:15,066 --> 00:22:17,066 You're the one who said that Chinese courts were better. 472 00:22:17,133 --> 00:22:18,700 You'd get a fairer hearing. 473 00:22:18,767 --> 00:22:22,600 So I think that it's wildly unfair based on what happened in this case 474 00:22:22,934 --> 00:22:26,934 for you to even throw out any suggestion of discrimination. You brought it up, sir. 475 00:22:27,000 --> 00:22:28,000 -Okay. -[Acker] Thank you. 476 00:22:28,066 --> 00:22:28,934 Thank you, Your Honor. 477 00:22:29,000 --> 00:22:31,567 Then at this point, we're going to retire to deliberate. Thank you both. 478 00:22:32,133 --> 00:22:34,834 Court is now in recess. Parties will be recalled. 479 00:22:34,900 --> 00:22:37,900 [dramatic music playing] 480 00:22:38,633 --> 00:22:41,133 All right, we have another breach of contract claim. 481 00:22:41,200 --> 00:22:44,600 That's what the case is after all of that nonsense that he was spewing. 482 00:22:44,667 --> 00:22:49,066 As a landlord, the Plaintiff has an obligation, uh, to maintain 483 00:22:49,133 --> 00:22:52,767 the living environment in an habitable manner. 484 00:22:53,233 --> 00:22:57,667 The Defendant was under contractual obligation to notify via email 485 00:22:57,734 --> 00:22:59,967 of any needed repairs or issues. 486 00:23:00,400 --> 00:23:06,133 He provided no proof except the range hood that she fixed immediately. 487 00:23:06,200 --> 00:23:09,233 And listen, he cried about his financial difficulties. 488 00:23:09,300 --> 00:23:12,600 He's chosen to go to one of the most expensive business schools in the country. 489 00:23:12,667 --> 00:23:15,533 For the USC Marshall School of Business, 490 00:23:15,600 --> 00:23:18,934 it costs anywhere between 80,000 and $120,000 a year. 491 00:23:19,000 --> 00:23:20,500 I looked it up online. 492 00:23:20,567 --> 00:23:23,533 As I looked at the case in preparation, I wrote down 493 00:23:23,600 --> 00:23:27,667 "He seems like an entitled brat." And you know I'm not always right. 494 00:23:27,734 --> 00:23:32,500 As you two most certainly know, but I was dead on about him. 495 00:23:32,567 --> 00:23:35,567 I believe she's made out her burden for every penny she's asking for. 496 00:23:35,633 --> 00:23:39,033 But I think you are forgetting to take into account 497 00:23:39,100 --> 00:23:41,800 the fact that he just didn't feel well. 498 00:23:41,867 --> 00:23:45,133 He was under the weather on Monday through Friday, 499 00:23:45,200 --> 00:23:47,233 but not on the weekends for the trip. Uh... 500 00:23:47,300 --> 00:23:50,867 No, uh, on a serious note, I completely agree with you. 501 00:23:50,934 --> 00:23:54,967 Um, he's made out no basis for nonpayment. 502 00:23:55,033 --> 00:23:56,867 But I think that his use of the system 503 00:23:56,934 --> 00:24:00,800 is particularly egregious when there are so many people 504 00:24:00,867 --> 00:24:04,200 who have landlords who will not take care of properties. 505 00:24:04,266 --> 00:24:06,066 Who do not respond to complaints. 506 00:24:06,133 --> 00:24:07,867 He clogged up the system. 507 00:24:07,934 --> 00:24:10,467 I find that really, really reprehensible. 508 00:24:10,533 --> 00:24:13,600 I completely agree with you. I think she's entitled to every dollar. 509 00:24:13,667 --> 00:24:17,433 I definitely agree with that. I mean, his smug, opportunist, 510 00:24:17,500 --> 00:24:20,367 misleading position in this courtroom 511 00:24:20,433 --> 00:24:22,367 under oath was, I found appalling. 512 00:24:22,433 --> 00:24:26,233 Every word out of his mouth was meant to say poor, poor, pitiful me. 513 00:24:26,300 --> 00:24:28,934 Feel sorry for me, feel sorry for my family's business 514 00:24:29,000 --> 00:24:30,967 and look at what this woman has done to me. 515 00:24:31,033 --> 00:24:33,266 -And then-- -She agreed. She said, just show me proof. 516 00:24:33,333 --> 00:24:35,200 -Show me proof of the financial-- -She was willing. 517 00:24:35,266 --> 00:24:38,633 She was willing. And that's why when he said she's done nothing here-- 518 00:24:38,700 --> 00:24:40,667 And I read that sentence to him in his paper. 519 00:24:40,734 --> 00:24:42,633 That she didn't do anything but want to evict him 520 00:24:42,700 --> 00:24:44,567 and that's so not true. 521 00:24:44,633 --> 00:24:48,400 He knows exactly what he's doing and this was an opportunity that he took. 522 00:24:50,300 --> 00:24:52,300 [dramatic music playing] 523 00:24:53,200 --> 00:24:56,200 Court is back in session. Both parties are reminded that you're still under oath. 524 00:24:56,266 --> 00:24:58,166 -[Levy] Thank you, Cassandra. -[Britt] You're welcome. 525 00:24:58,333 --> 00:25:01,900 Before I render the judgment in this matter, Mr. Deng, 526 00:25:01,967 --> 00:25:05,667 we don't discriminate here on Tribunal Justice 527 00:25:05,734 --> 00:25:10,934 except when liars and scammers come in. We don't like them. 528 00:25:11,633 --> 00:25:15,400 You deserved everything you got today. For you, Miss Tong, 529 00:25:15,467 --> 00:25:18,500 we want to say thank you for bringing this case to us... 530 00:25:18,867 --> 00:25:21,834 and for giving you a sense of... maybe a modicum 531 00:25:21,900 --> 00:25:24,100 sense of justice. That when people... 532 00:25:24,166 --> 00:25:28,100 like Mr. Deng take advantage and make false claims 533 00:25:28,166 --> 00:25:31,734 and take away units that could otherwise be used in your homes. 534 00:25:31,800 --> 00:25:34,700 That could be used for other needing students. 535 00:25:35,333 --> 00:25:37,633 We have deliberated and reached a unanimous verdict. 536 00:25:37,700 --> 00:25:39,867 And it should come as no surprise to you, sir. 537 00:25:39,934 --> 00:25:46,500 And that is judgment in favor of the Plaintiff for her full ask, $3,479. 538 00:25:46,567 --> 00:25:48,700 -Thank you. -Thank you so much. 539 00:25:48,767 --> 00:25:49,767 Thank you, Your Honor. 540 00:25:49,834 --> 00:25:52,033 This case has concluded. All parties are excused. 541 00:25:52,100 --> 00:25:54,367 [triumphant music playing] 542 00:25:56,166 --> 00:25:58,033 There's no ventilation in the bathroom. 543 00:25:58,100 --> 00:26:01,667 So whenever we had to like open the window to let all the steam out 544 00:26:01,734 --> 00:26:04,533 so that there a mold, I'm like standing butt naked 545 00:26:04,600 --> 00:26:08,100 in front of the neighbors. You know? I-- It's crazy. 546 00:26:08,166 --> 00:26:11,133 He can shut them off. He doesn't have to open them 547 00:26:11,200 --> 00:26:12,800 while he's using the bathroom. 548 00:26:12,867 --> 00:26:16,033 I believe that she owes me rent and that she should return 549 00:26:16,100 --> 00:26:18,700 -me my deposit. -Nobody lives rent free. 550 00:26:19,100 --> 00:26:21,533 [narrator] Got tenants with problems paying rent? 551 00:26:21,600 --> 00:26:24,967 Tribunal Justice wants to move in on your case. 552 00:26:25,033 --> 00:26:26,900 Find us on social media. 553 00:26:28,133 --> 00:26:30,400 [theme music playing]