Kayla & Jean Orisma sued their former landlord--Mervi Stack--to recover their security deposit, a month's rent, and the monies expended purchasing home heating oil. And although Stack countersued for damage to the home, the City Court of Port Jervis ended up awarding the Orismas $1,449.75.
Because the residence had become uninhabitable after flooding from Hurricane Irene, the Appellate Term, Second Department, agreed that the former tenants deserved a rent abatement (of some 22 days) and that they were further entitled to be reimbursed for the heating-oil expense.
Was the case Stacked against Mervi?
To view a copy of the Appellate Term's decision, please use this link: Orisma v. Stack