Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in New Jersey

Fraudulent Suit and Wage Garnishment from a former landlord

A couple of years ago I rented a house from the father of a friend. The rent was $650 per month plus utilities. After moving in I became unemployed, and the landlord allowed me to stay until I was rehired. That period lasted approximately 4 months. After that I went back to work and began paying him rent again. He raised the rent by $100 per month to allow credit toward what I owed him. I agreed to this. After approximately 3 months, the furnace broke down during a cold spell. He refused to repair it and when I objected he evicted me. He then sued me for $10,000. I was unable to attend the court session due to my new status as an employee (probationary.) He won a default judgement and immediately garnished my wages. Although I had paid him nearly $2200, his complaint stated that he had recieved nothing at all.

After I moved I became unemployed again. After almost a year I was able to gain work and now he hsa renewed the garnishment. My employment is with the gaming industry and is very sensitive. I am afraid I will lose this job due to this false litigation.

Do I have any recourse, and if so what are my options?

- Bill Battersby


Asked on 3/01/06, 11:26 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Davies The Davies Law Firm, P.A.

Re: Fraudulent Suit and Wage Garnishment from a former landlord

I am in northern NJ and can not help you.

I have read your description of the problem. this is serious, expensive and seems very unjust. you should have gone to court with an attorney.

I strongly strongly suggest you take every paper that has anything to do with this to an attorney near you and hire and pay the attorney to advise you and then work for you to fix this. it is something you really should do.

please do not let it go. Good luck to you.

Disclaimer: you can not rely on the advice of an attorney given over the internet. The exact facts of your situation, including facts which you have not mentioned in your question, may completely change the result for your situation.

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Answered on 3/01/06, 11:48 am


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