Landlord receives $125K default judgment in suit over damaged rental property

A landlord, who claims one of his former tenants destroyed his property, was recently awarded a default judgment of $125,000.

As previously reported, Rickey Patin filed a lawsuit April 9 in Jefferson County District Court against Sanh Van Nguyen.

Court records show that on Aug. 13 Patin was awarded $100,000, plus attorney’s fees in the amount of $25,000, after Nguyen failed to answer the suit.

Patin alleges he rented a premises on Avenue B in Nederland to Nguyen beginning on Oct. 10, 2009. However, during the time Nguyen leased the premises, she destroyed it, according to the complaint.

Because of Nguyen’s actions, Patin incurred out-of-pocket repair and replacement costs and lost his rental income, the suit states.

Patin alleged Nguyen breached her contract with him.

Rocky Lawdermilk of Beaumont represents him.

Judge Bob Wortham, 58th District Court, is assigned to the case.

Case No. A192-283