The trial commenced on May 6, 2021. On May 18, 2021, the continued date, neither
respondent nor respondent's counsel appeared.[FN1]
The trial was continued to June 4, 2021 and August 12, 2021. Counsels requested time to submit
their post-trial memorandum of law. The memorandums were submitted on August 27,
2021.
Petitioner's Evidence
Petitioner was provided with a Mandarin interpreter and sworn in. Petitioner testified [*2]that she moved into the apartment in July 2015. Petitioner testified
that she met with Ruth Wu, as the representative of the landlord, and negotiated the rent with her.
Petitioner testified that she met Ruth Wu at the accounting office of Liberty Accounting and that
is where the lease was signed. The lease was entered into evidence. (P's A).
Petitioner testified that when she was at the Liberty Accounting office to sign the lease, Ruth
Wu made a copy of her passport.
Petitioner stated that she filed this case because the landlord tried to remove her from the
apartment, and she needed repairs. Petitioner stated that the landlord harassed her on the
telephone by making repeated calls; saying that something will happen to her in court; and a
marshal's notice of eviction was posted on her door with a copy of her passport. Petitioner stated
that she always paid her rent until April 2020 when she lost her job due to the pandemic.
Petitioner said that she explained her situation to the landlord and asked for a reduction in the
rent and instead, was told to "move out."
The "move out" demands included numerous telephone calls from respondent. Petitioner
testified that she recognized the voices, and the actual recording of the calls were entered as
evidence. Petitioner testified that she received a "red notice" from respondent. The "red