My tenant lawyered up with Legal Aid

[George H.]

Any experience with 'Bench Trials'?  Her legal Aid lawyer who was notified 2 days before first hearing got a one week reprieve. He also notified me regarding his request for a 'bench trial'. 

Tenant is M2M since June and has not paid rent and utilities since November.

Anyone have experience with this?

[George H.]

In Cleveland it seems to be a 2 part process. One to gain possession, and the 2nd part a month later for damages, etc.

Since firing PM back in June 2020, the sewage bill has not been paid. I got a door hanger in December and paid bill. Seems bill has been going to PM and I had no idea. Thought it was part of water bill. Yea, yea..Live and learn. 

The house is sold, this nonsense is a hail mary from a tenant who could have re-signed an extension back in November. Now her lawyer is claiming 'Retaliation'. Throwing it all at the wall to see what sticks I guess.