Obtained substantial verdict for rent abatement damages on behalf of tenants, as well as an award of contractual attorney fees

Prevailed at trial while representing the tenants in a case involving a breach of the Implied Warranty of Habitability by the landlords. The tenants moved into a La Jolla rental home in 2002. In 2006, the tenants discovered that the home was infested with mold, friable asbestos, and chronic water leakage from the exterior.

The tenants contended that the mold, asbestos, and moisture conditions contributed to the occupants’ constant illnesses, that the landlords had been aware of the conditions long before the home was rented to the tenants, and that the landlords refused and failed to remedy the situation when it was brought to their attention. The tenants contended that the landlords breached the lease agreement, and breached the Implied Warranty of Habitability. The landlords denied any breach.

The jury found that the landlords breached the lease agreement, comitted negligence, and breached the Implied Warranty of Habitability. Ms. Selfridge obtained $200,000 in rent abatement damages for her clients, plus attorney fees and costs.