Landlord Loses Damage Claim Against Former Tenants: Cerundolo v Zhang 2024

The Landlord testified that the rental unit was odor-free, clean, and well-maintained before the Former Tenants moved in May 2020. She indicated regular inspections were conducted before the pandemic, during which there were "red flags," though no specific issues of disrepair. No inspections occurred during the pandemic; however, the Landlord inspected the property post-pandemic after providing notice.

Former tenants disputed the claims, testifying that the inspection occurred during the pandemic while they were home without assistance from their regular house cleaner, but cleanliness or disrepair had never been an issue at prior inspections. They stated there were no pest issues, asserting that ants were seen only near a vent by the back door, and that they had reported dishwasher issues soon after moving in, which the Landlord did not address. They claimed other issues were typical wear and tear, many of which they addressed before vacating.