There are many negative aspects to living in a blue state these days, from safety concerns to high taxes and much more.
One of the most jarring things is knowing those in power tend to favor criminals over the law-abiding.
Now a Washington State judge just issued an infuriating ruling against a landlord.
Because of policies that were enacted by Democrats during the COVID-era, some Washington State landlords are out tens of thousands of dollars in back rent and have no way to recoup their losses.
One of these landlords is Jaskaran Singh.
Singh owns a single-family home that he decided to put up for rent in the ritzy neighborhood of Woodridge, in Bellevue, Washington.
During the summer of 2022, Singh rented the house to a man called Sang Kim and his family.
It was a decision he would come to regret.
During an interview on the Ari Hoffman Show on Talk Radio 570 KVI, Singh says he received the first and last month’s rent at the time Sang Kim moved into the house.
Washington's justice system is irrevocably broken https://t.co/PbVdffcWGP
— Ari Hoffman (@thehoffather) March 18, 2024
When the tenant won’t pay, it doesn’t pay to be a landlord
But that was the last of the money he would receive.
Sang Kim never paid any additional rent and according to Singh, his deadbeat tenant would nonetheless come into the possession of two new cars.
After this went on for several months, Singh’s lawyer Stephen Freeborn filed the necessary paperwork to evict Sang Kim.
A completely broken system
At this point, the King County Bar Association’s Housing Justice Project effectively bailed Kim out, giving him free legal help and even paying back plus a three-month advance on future rent so Kim and his family had time to move out.
But he never left, even though no rent was paid since May and the lease expired.
Singh is frustrated beyond belief because he is out $80,000 from mortgage and utilities on the property plus legal fees.
He said during the interview with the radio station, “I lost my job in the summer. Juggling my own mortgage and paying double mortgage for the tenant’s house has become a considerable burden. I work two jobs to support my family and the tenant’s family.”
He added, “While my tenant enjoys a relaxed lifestyle, buys new cars, and celebrates [with] barbecues, I continue to struggle to pay my bills and double mortgages. Our tax dollars not only provide free legal support to my tenant but also pay his rent while he does little to contribute and seemingly manipulates the system.”
It turns out that for this deadbeat tenant, it’s just the same old Song and dance.
He has a history of pulling similar stunts with other landlords, refusing to leave, and saddling them with exorbitant costs.
Singh organized a protest outside his property where the squatter now resides.
Over 200 people showed up to support him.
But, in a twist, Kim anticipated the well-advertised protest and secured a restraining order against Singh.
The order was signed Friday by Judge Matthew A. Skau from the King County District Court’s East Division.
Singh told journalist Jonathan Choe, “There is no law protecting the landlord. Justice delayed is justice denied.”
BREAKING: Huge neighborhood protest about to begin in Bellevue.
Angry neighbors want serial squatter Sang Kim out of this house. He’s allegedly skipped out on thousands of dollars in rent since last year. But the broken King County court system remains backed up with evictions.… pic.twitter.com/UpgmHBzGIY— Jonathan Choe (@choeshow) March 16, 2024
Singh’s situation isn’t unique.
That’s because King County courts are behind on over 600 eviction cases, many because of ordinances that deferred rent and prohibited evictions for tenants during the pandemic.
Singh relayed to Choe that he would try to organize more protests at the property until Kim leaves.
He also says that he has lost faith in the legal system and advises against anyone becoming a landlord in Washington State.
Sadly, it’s understandable why he has come to that conclusion.
Stay tuned to Blue State Blues for any updates to this ongoing story.
