I went to court a few weeks ago but my landlord didn't show up. (I am taking him to court for non-repairs)
A lawyer, who didn't know my landlord or the situation was hired on my landlord's behalf and he questioned me about my problem. I told him that the landlord hadn't made repairs to my apt (major leak and collapse in ceiling) since nov 2008 yet I am continuously paying rent. I am seeking a rent abatement.
The super was there and so the lawyer asked the super if he would take responsibility for a settlement and the super said "no, lets wait till the landlord gets back into town next month"
They case ended on an adjournment note and scheduled for next month. I was confused because I thought the lawyer could make a settlement on behalf of the landlord.
My questions are
-how many times can a defendant do an adjournment in small claims?
-was there another option for me in the scenario that I was in, such as get one of the arbitrators involved and request a settlement with the lawyer.
I was very confused as to why this was postponed...advice please.