Bench trial over rental property starts up

A bench trial featuring a landlord and his former tenants began Monday, Nov. 22, in Judge Bob Wortham's 58th District Court.

Last September, Paul England filed suit against Milton and Julia Platero, alleging the two owed back rent on his Port Arthur property, court records show.

In August 2006 the Plateros agreed to rent the property for $297 a month. They also agreed to pay taxes on the property and protect it from wastage and in return, the Plateros would have the opportunity to purchase the property.

"Defendants maintained possession of the property; however, they failed and refused to pay the monthly rental payment as required by the contract," the suit states. "On account of defendants' breach of contract, plaintiff was forced to obtain ... a writ of forcible entry and detainer ... and remove them from the property."

The Plateros assert they have a legal claim to the property because a valid oral contract between them and England exists, court records show.

England is suing for actual and consequential damages, plus attorney's fees.

He is represented by Beaumont attorney John Parsons.

The Plateros are represented by Port Neches attorney Bruce Gregory.

Case No. A184-908