Legal Question in Real Estate Law in District of Columbia
Collecting a judgement
How do I collect a judgement? I won my case against a rogue landlord who was illegally holding my security deposit and 1st months rent. The case was decided in the DC court (actually he appealed, but I still won). The landlord is hard to track down- I have no address, but I do know the place of employment, which is in Virginia. So, how do I go about collecting my $$$$$ ?
Thanks! It's been 2 years!
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Collecting a judgement
The judgment can be recorded as a lien against any real estate owned by the defendant in DC by getting a certified copy and filing it with the recorder of deeds (across the street from the courthouse). The property can then be sold to satisfy the judgment. To garnish wages in VA, a "triple seal" cetified copy has to be issued by the DC court; docketed in VA, and a garnishment summons issued. This is not easy, so you would be best advised to retain counsel to do this for you.