Today's Hearing was so much fun that I needed to lay back and have a cigarette when it was over.
The Landlord turned up with a new paralegal a young guy - a real pit bull who was so aggressive and bullying that I will not be going into a meeting room alone with him again. There was no negotiation. There was him making demands and snarling threats when I refused his "offer".
Then he lied to me. Anyone who has read my posts knows I get real bitchy when people lie to me. I used to tell my kids "When you lie to me, you're telling me you think I'm stupid, to my face. You think I'm too stupid to see through the lie".
He told me that the Landlord had "handled" the ESA. I told him that I spoke to the ESA yesterday (true), and they told me that neither than Landlord nor anyone else, had contacted them in regard to this work order since the Landlord's initial call to them in February. The Landlord said he would hire an electrician to deal with it, but no one had contacted them, and not permits had been applied for or issued. While the Landlord may have spoken to/contracted with the electrical firm, they have not visited the property, nor have they contacted the ESA. Nothing has been "handled".
Furthermore, this Adjudicator who reminded me of Kim Wexler in Better Call Saul had no interest in my Tenant's Application. She was only dealing with the Landlord's claim that I owed him X on no evidence, and my claim that I didn't owe him that amount based on a schedule of all payments made including dates, amounts, and months that I paid for, with photocopies of receipts. If the amount the Landlord claims is not correct, - case dismissed.
Adjudicator: I don't see a reason why I shouldn't dismiss your (the Landlord's) Application. Is there some reason you're not aware of the Rules of Evidence and Deadlines?
The Landlord's agent flashed the Landlords hand written notebook at the camera and said "It's all here", but the Adjudicator reminded him that the technology exists to scan these things and submit them as evidence. That's when she made the Rules of Evidence comment.
I come from private practice. I had my evidence in 12 days before the Hearing, with copies to the other side. I followed up by telephone to make sure they got it.
When our hearing resumed after the second negotiating session. The Landlord's agent raised his hand and said the Landlord was "withdrawing his Application". Sadly, they had turned off their camera so I was robbed of the pleasure of seeing the looks on their faces when they admitted defeat.
After I thanked the Adjudicator and politely exited the Hearing, I whooped, I hollared, and I danced around the living room, frightening the cat. The look on her face was priceless!!!
