Small Claims Advice... - PhillyBlog

chiarams · #1 (**permalink**) 11-05-2007, 02:13 PM

Hey folks-
Trying to find out if anyone out there has some insight as to how I can/should proceed with a court case against my former landlord.

Long story short - I took my former landlord to small claims court to attempt to get my security deposit returned to me. He failed to show for the hearing, and I was given a default judgment.

The 30-day appeal period ends this week, however since the court date, I've found out that he is not only being foreclosed on the house that I rented in Phila, but the house in which he resides in Montgomery County as well. What's my next step? Is it even worth getting the sheriff involved if the guy is clearly broke? One issue is that the only property of his that I'm aware of in Philadelphia is the house I rented, and it is in
both his and his wife's name, which I believe makes it impossible for me to attempt to go after that to satisfy the judgment.

Are there other options that I should be aware of?

Any help from those with/without experience here is greatly appreciated.

raider.adam · #2 (**permalink**) 11-05-2007, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiarams

Hey folks-
Trying to find out if anyone out there has some insight as to how I can/should proceed with a court case against my former landlord.

Long story short - I took my former landlord to small claims court to attempt to get my security deposit returned to me. He failed to show for the hearing, and I was given a default judgment.

The 30-day appeal period ends this week, however since the court date, I've found out that he is not only being foreclosed on the house that I rented in Phila, but the house in which he resides in Montgomery County as well. What's my next step? Is it even worth getting the sheriff involved if the guy is clearly broke? One issue is that the only property of his that I'm aware of in Philadelphia is the house I rented, and it is in
both his and his wife's name, which I believe makes it impossible for me to attempt to go after that to satisfy the judgment.

Are there other options that I should be aware of?

Any help from those with/without experience here is greatly appreciated.

Yeah you can get the sheriff involved and the proper process so that way you are listed for a lein on properties so the banks don't take it all. Depending on the amount of money involved, you could always look into a collections lawyer.