(LSHV) to obtain legal representation and informed her to complete the Covid-19 Declaration
Form if she suffered a Covid financial hardship. The case was adjourned to June 16, 2021. On
June 16, 2021, both sides appeared, and the Respondent stated that she sent rent receipts as proof
of rent payments to Petitioner's attorney office. Respondent raised a breach of warranty of
habitability defense complaining of poor conditions in the apartment including non-working
stove and no heat or hot water for three months. She sought a rent abatement for Petitioner's
alleged failure to provide services and habitable conditions. The case was adjourned to July 20,
[*2]2021 and on that date further adjourned to August 25, 2021,
then to September 16, 2021. Tenant was referred again to LSHV for legal representation. On
September 16, 2021, the Respondent failed to appear. Petitioner made a motion for default
judgment dated September 17, 2021 and the matter was set down for an inquest and default
hearing to be held October 12, 2021.
On October 12, 2021, the Respondent did not appear. Stan Palmiotto, the Presidents of Four
Quarters Inc, appeared with Petitioner's counsel and testified that the monthly rent was $1,400.00
and Respondent owed $3.906.00 of rents in arrears for 2.7 months for part of August 2021,
September 2021, and October 2021. Palmiotto further testified that Davis was a cooperative
tenant, and that portion of her rent was paid by Section 8. He explained that prior to September
2019, Section 8 paid $949 per month and Davis' paid $451.00. After September 2019, Section 8
paid $500.00 and Davis paid $900.00. Palmiotto could not clearly explain how the rents were
credited to Davis' account, stating that she made partial payments of varying amounts at various