Landlord and Tenant at the County Court 

Landlord-tenant issues are commonly addressed in county courts, though the specific types of disputes and procedures may vary depending on the jurisdiction. Here are the key types of landlord-tenant cases that may be heard in county courts:

1. Eviction (Unlawful Detainer)

• Non-payment of Rent: A landlord may file for eviction if a tenant fails to pay rent. The county court will hear the case to determine whether the tenant should be removed from the property.
• Lease Violations: Evictions can also occur if the tenant violates terms of the lease, such as causing damage to the property, engaging in illegal activity, or having unauthorized occupants or pets.
• Failure to Move Out: In some cases, a tenant may refuse to leave after the lease ends or after receiving notice. The landlord may seek a court order to remove the tenant from the property.

In eviction cases, the court will typically hold a hearing where both parties can present evidence, and a judge will make a determination. If the landlord wins, they can issue for possession, to remove the tenant.

2. Security Deposits

• Disputes Over Deposit Returns: Landlords are required by law to return a tenant’s security deposit within a certain timeframe (typically 30 days). If there is a dispute over damages or the amount of the refund, the tenant may issue at the county court to recover the deposit or any portion of it.
• Deductions from Deposit: Landlords may deduct amounts from the deposit for cleaning costs, repairs for damage beyond normal wear and tear, or unpaid rent. Disagreements over whether these deductions are reasonable can lead to court hearings.

3. Rent Withholding or Rent Reduction

• Habitability Issues: Tenants may withhold rent or seek a reduction in rent if the landlord fails to make necessary repairs or maintain the property in a habitable condition (e.g., plumbing issues, heating problems, unsafe conditions).
• Failure to Repair: Tenants may sue the landlord in county court for not addressing repairs in a timely manner, especially if those repairs impact health or safety.

4. Breach of Lease or Contract Disputes

• Violation of Lease Terms: Either party may issue for s  breach of contract if one side fails to follow the lease agreement. For example, a tenant might claim that the landlord failed to provide essential services (heat, water) as stipulated in the lease, while the landlord might claim that the tenant violated the lease terms by having unauthorized pets or subletting.
• Unlawful Rent Increases: In some jurisdictions, landlords cannot raise rent beyond certain limits, or must provide notice within a certain time frame. Disputes over such matters may be heard in county court.

5. Illegal Lockouts and "Self-Help" Evictions

• Illegal Eviction Practices: In many places, a landlord cannot forcefully remove a tenant without going through the proper legal process. If a landlord locks out a tenant without a court order (self-help eviction), the tenant may file a lawsuit for damages, including the return of possessions and possible punitive damages.
• Harassment: Tenants can also bring claims if they believe they are being harassed or intimidated into leaving the property by the landlord (e.g., through excessive and unwarranted complaints or threats of eviction).

6. Discrimination or Fair Housing Violations

• Discrimination Claims: Landlords cannot discriminate against tenants based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or family status . If a tenant believes they are being discriminated against in the rental process, such as being denied housing or treated unfairly based on these protected categories, they may file a claim in county court.
• Retaliation: A landlord is prohibited from retaliating against a tenant for exercising their rights, such as filing a complaint or requesting repairs. If a tenant is evicted or faces retaliation after making such requests, they can sue in county court.

7. Property Damage and Rent Arrears

• Property Damage: If a tenant causes damage to a property beyond normal wear and tear, the landlord may seek damages through county court to cover the cost of repairs. This may include damage to walls, floors, plumbing, appliances, etc.
• Unpaid Rent: If a tenant fails to pay rent for a significant period, the landlord may file a suit for back rent and potentially seek a judgment to recover the unpaid amount.

8. Quiet Enjoyment and Nuisance Claims

• Disruption of Quiet Enjoyment: A tenant has the right to "quiet enjoyment" of the rental property, meaning they are entitled to live without unreasonable interference or disturbances from the landlord or others. If a landlord causes disruptions or fails to act on nuisances (e.g., loud neighbors or pests), a tenant may seek legal recourse in county court.
• Nuisance Claims: If a tenant is being impacted by external factors on the property (such as construction noise or hazardous conditions), they can file a nuisance claim.

9. Pet Disputes

• Pet Policies: If a lease prohibits pets but a tenant keeps one anyway, the landlord may seek eviction. Alternatively, tenants may seek to challenge the enforcement of pet policies if they believe it’s unfair or discriminatory.

10. Subletting and Assignment Issues

• Unauthorized Subletting: A landlord may file a lawsuit if a tenant sublets the apartment without permission. Alternatively, tenants may file if the landlord refuses to allow subletting without a legitimate reason.
• Assignments of Lease: Issues may arise if a tenant seeks to transfer the lease to another person, and the landlord unreasonably denies permission.

Court Process in County Court

• Filing a Complaint: The tenant or landlord files a formal complaint outlining the dispute and requesting a legal remedy.
• Court Hearing: The court will schedule a hearing where both parties can present evidence, including lease agreements, communication records, and witness testimony.
• Judgment: After hearing both sides, the judge will issue a ruling, which could include an eviction order, award of damages, or an order for the landlord to make repairs.

Some jurisdictions have specialized landlord-tenant or housing courts that handle these cases exclusively, while in others, they are heard as part of the general civil docket in county courts.

If you're dealing with landlord-tenant issues in county court, it is important to understand your jurisdiction's specific rules and procedures, as these can vary widely. Legal advice may be needed to navigate the complexities of these cases.

***please note none of this is legal advice and for any case you have best to get properly legal advice"