Landlords Win Miami Beach Lease Dispute Over Damages
Table of Contents
Case Background
This case unfolded in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Joanne Baker and Barry Baker, a married couple, owned a residential condo at 1330 West Avenue, Apartment 1410, in Miami Beach. They had rented the apartment to Alexandre Baumeige under a lease agreement. Over time, the landlord-tenant relationship broke down, leading to mutual accusations and eventually, a courtroom battle. The Bakers claimed the tenant had breached the lease. Baumeige countered with claims of unlawful eviction and mishandling of his security deposit.
Cause that led to the dispute
The dispute centered around the lease agreement. The Bakers alleged that Baumeige failed to pay rent and damaged their property during his tenancy. They stated that the damages were significant and beyond ordinary wear and tear. Baumeige argued that he had been unlawfully evicted from the premises. He claimed the Bakers had refused to return his security deposit, violating Florida Statute 83.49.
Injury
Joanne and Barry Baker claimed they had suffered financially because of Baumeige’s actions. They pointed to the cost of repairs to the unit and lost rent. Baumeige said he had experienced personal and financial harm. He claimed the Bakers removed him without legal notice, which disrupted his life and cost him his deposit.
Damages
The jury awarded the Bakers $5,377.70 in total damages. This amount specifically covered the cost of repairing the unit after Baumeige moved out. The court did not find enough evidence to support the Bakers' claim for unpaid rent. Baumeige, on the other hand, did not receive any compensation. The jury rejected all of his counterclaims.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
The case focused on two narratives. The Bakers presented evidence that the tenant had left the apartment damaged, violating the lease. They included photos, repair estimates, and testimony about the condition of the property. They argued that Baumeige’s failure to maintain the unit and his conduct during the tenancy directly caused their financial loss.
Baumeige tried to shift blame, claiming the Bakers had evicted him without going through the legal process. He stated that they kept his deposit illegally and accused them of acting in bad faith. But his arguments lacked persuasive support.
The court used a special verdict form, requiring the jury to decide specific questions about each party’s claims. The jury first addressed whether Baumeige breached the lease. After agreeing that he did, they moved on to calculate the damage amount.
Legal Representation
Plaintiff(s): Joanne Baker and Barry Baker
Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Lauren Juliette Luck
Defendant(s): Alexandre Baumeige
Counsel for Defendant(s): Thomas Butler
Key Arguments by Counsel
Lauren Juliette Luck, representing the Bakers, emphasized the property damage and presented documented evidence of repair costs. She focused the jury's attention on the terms of the lease and how Baumeige's behavior fell short of those obligations.
Thomas Butler, on behalf of Baumeige, argued that the Bakers had acted unlawfully in removing his client from the property. He tried to frame Baumeige as a victim of landlord overreach. He cited Florida landlord-tenant law and insisted that the deposit had been wrongfully withheld.
Claims
Breach of Lease
The Bakers claimed Baumeige damaged the unit and did not fulfill his responsibilities under the lease. The jury agreed with this claim and awarded the Plaintiffs $5,377.70 for the property damage.
Unlawful Eviction
Baumeige claimed the landlords removed him without proper notice or legal process. The jury found no evidence to support this allegation and ruled against him.
Security Deposit Violation
Baumeige also argued that the Bakers kept his security deposit unlawfully in violation of Florida Statute 83.49. The jury rejected this claim as well.
Jury Verdict
The jury found in favor of Joanne and Barry Baker. They concluded that Alexandre Baumeige breached the lease by damaging the property. The landlords were awarded $5,377.70 to cover repair costs. The jury rejected all of Baumeige’s counterclaims, including those for unlawful eviction and mishandling of the security deposit. This verdict closed a lengthy dispute, affirming the Bakers' rights under the lease and Florida law.
Court Documents