Michael Chagnon appeals a judgment from the Small Claims Court awarded against him
and in favor of his former tenant, Stanley Peterson. Mr. Chagnon leased a house to Mr.
Peterson in Manchester, Vermont. Mr. Peterson sued Mr. Chagnon to recover his security
deposit and money he advanced to pay for a new oil tank. Mr. Chagnon filed a counterclaim for
rents owed, as well as damage to the leased premises. On May 22, 2014, the Small Claims
Court held a hearing, which Mr. Peterson attended but Mr. Chagnon did not attend. The Small
Claims Court took testimony from Mr. Peterson and admitted exhibits, and rendered an oral
decision and written judgment for $3,480.26 and court costs of $78.75 in favor of Mr. Peterson
against Mr. Chagnon. Based on Mr. Chagnon’s failure to appear, the Small Claims Court
dismissed his counterclaims for failure to prosecute.