Hanes v. Viehman Realty Co.
Hanes v. Viehman Realty Co.
Opinion of the Court
Plaintiff and her husband leased, of defendant an apartment in a building known as Spruce Villa in Minneapolis, for a family residence, commencing with the month of September, 1917, and from month to month thereafter. Defendant agreed to furnish heat. Plaintiff and her husband and child occupied the apartment until about the last of December, 1917, at which time they vacated. This action is brought to recover damages to plaintiff’s health .for defendant’s alleged failure to heat the apartment according to contract. Plaintiff had a verdict. Defendant appeals.
Plaintiff’s evidence is to the effect, that during November and De-
This court has sustained the liability of a landlord for damages for failure to furnish heat to an apartment when required by his contract to do so, Sargent v. Mason, 101 Minn. 319, 112 N. W. 255. We think, however, the facts clearly necessitate a reversal of this case. It appears that soon after the controversy over heat arose, defendant gave plaintiff the privilege of vacating the apartment and plaintiff declined. The testimony on this point as given by plaintiff herself is as follows:
Q. You talked with Mr. Drew when he told you you could vacate ?
A. Yes, he said, he told Mr. Hanes that if it was not satisfactory, we could move.
Q. He said he would not charge you fox rent?
A. He said we could move.
Q. If it was not satisfactory ?
A. Yes.
Q. What did you say ?
A. I said I would stay.
There is no suggestion in the case of difficulty of obtaining another place of abode and plaintiff and her husband did soon thereafter do so. No sentiment attached to this place. Plaintiff had been there but a short time. In fact there is no suggestion of any reason why plaintiff did not avail herself of the privilege accorded her to vacate, except that she chose to stay. The case is not like Hansman v. Western Union Tel. Co. 144 Minn. 56, 174 N. W. 434, where, to leave the premises, would have meant the giving up of employment which was the plaintiff’s means of livelihood. If plaintiff could have avoided personal injury by removal from the premises, defendant should not be held responsible
Order reversed and new trial granted.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- BESS HANES v. VIEHMAN REALTY COMPANY
- Status
- Published