You are viewing a free summary from Descrybe.ai. For citation checking, legal issue analysis, and other advanced tools, explore our Legal Research Toolkit — not free, but close.

John H. Whitfield and Tammy Lynn Whitfield v. Fig Tree Apartments

Citation: Not availableDocket: 05-15-00080-CV

Court: Court of Appeals of Texas; April 9, 2015; Texas; State Appellate Court

Original Court Document: View Document

Narrative Opinion Summary

This case involves an appeal by the Whitfields against Fig Tree Apartments following an Amended Final Judgment by the trial court. After the judgment on January 15, 2015, the parties reached a settlement agreement on January 21, which led to the vacating of the previous judgment and the issuance of a new judgment on January 23. The settlement terms included Fig Tree Apartments waiving its monetary judgment in exchange for the Whitfields vacating the premises by January 30, 2015, and dropping any discrimination complaints. The court retained jurisdiction until February 2 to ensure compliance, with a new order to dismiss the case if the terms were met. The court awarded Fig Tree Apartments possession of the property and ordered the Whitfields to pay $1,960.00, including court costs and past due rent, with post-judgment interest accruing until payment. The Whitfields also agreed to release all claims against Fig Tree Apartments and its employees. The court emphasized the potential impact of an eviction judgment on the Whitfields' future rental opportunities, urging resolution for a 'clean bill of health.' The appeal was dismissed as moot due to the settlement agreement.

Legal Issues Addressed

Final Judgment and Costs

Application: The court ordered the Whitfields to pay a sum that included court costs and past due rent, with provisions for post-judgment interest.

Reasoning: The Court orders Defendants, John H. Whitfield and Tammy Lynn Whitfield, to pay a total of $1,960.00, which includes $206.00 in court costs and $1,710.00 in past due rent.

Mootness of Appeals

Application: The appeal was deemed moot due to the settlement agreement reached between the parties after the issuance of the Amended Final Judgment.

Reasoning: The appeal is deemed moot. Fig Tree Apartments seeks a dismissal of the appeal with prejudice.

Possession and Eviction

Application: The court awarded possession of the property to Fig Tree Apartments and specified the conditions and timeline for the Whitfields to vacate the premises.

Reasoning: Plaintiff, Fig Tree Apartments, is awarded possession of the property located at 2110 Moser Ave. 115B, Dallas, Texas.

Settlement Agreement and Vacating Judgments

Application: A settlement was reached where Fig Tree Apartments agreed to waive its monetary judgment in exchange for the Whitfields vacating the premises by a specified date, leading to the vacating of the previous judgment.

Reasoning: A new judgment will be signed to allow for dismissal if the Whitfields move out on time.

Waiver of Claims

Application: The Whitfields agreed to release all claims against Fig Tree Apartments and its employees relevant to past conduct in conjunction with the settlement agreement.

Reasoning: Additionally, the Whitfields will release all claims against Fig Tree Apartments and its employees regarding past conduct, effective prior to the agreement date.