Brian Swift testified as to the list of items he found damaged or missing. In this regard, he explained that the sheriff's department is investigating the missing items he included on his list, but had no paperwork, such as a supporting deposition or property loss statement, to verify such a loss or alleged larceny. He explained that the lawn mower repair person charged $475 to repair the John Deere lawn tractor, even though it was already fixed when he arrived at the property. Interestingly, he had a receipt dated October 23, from a small engine repair shop, but testified that he was only seeking the pickup and delivery cost of $36 associated with this repair. (Defendants' exhibit D.) Brian also testified that the refrigerator handle had been broken and was propped up in a fashion to disguise the break.
He proceeded to testify that the contractor who arrived and decided to reschedule upon learning of the plaintiffs' sick children charged $200 for the time he set aside to complete work at the property. He explained that the plaintiffs failed to keep up with the lawn mowing, requiring him to pay $70 to have the lawn mowed with a brush hog attachment, but his receipt for the job reflected that it was completed on August 24, 2018, over three weeks after the plaintiffs moved out. (Defendants' exhibit F.) He also testified to paying a moving company $1,600 to move his mother's furniture and other items from the premises, introducing a receipt reflecting the same. (Defendants' exhibit E.) In this regard, he explained that he sought reimbursement because he hired the company on short notice to accommodate the plaintiffs' move, telling the court that he had another company that was scheduled to do the move for $400. Nevertheless, the defendants sought $1,600 from the plaintiff