Fonseca v. North American Salt & Fresh Fish Co.
Fonseca v. North American Salt & Fresh Fish Co.
Opinion of the Court
ORDER
The question presented in this case is whether one co-owner of property may bring an action for eviction for nonpayment of rent without the other co-owners’ agreement. The plaintiff, Isidro Fonseca, has appealed from the dismissal of his claim for eviction for nonpayment of rent against the defendant, North American Salt & Fresh Fish Company, Inc. (Fish Company), and for $92,333, representing back rent of which Fonseca claims a $23,-333 share.
This case came before the Supreme Court for oral argument on April 6, 1999, pursuant to an order directing the parties to appear and show cause why the issues raised in this appeal should not be summarily decided. Having reviewed the parties’ submissions to the Court and discussed significant issues with counsel for the parties during oral arguments, we are of the opinion that the posture of this case at this juncture is not suitable for a summary disposition.
The plaintiff is one of four owners in common of commercial property in Paw-tucket, Rhode Island. This property was leased to defendant, Fish Company. The plaintiff filed a complaint in the District Court for eviction of defendant for nonpayment of rent. After a conditional dismiss
Having carefully reviewed the memoran-da submitted by the parties and the complex and multifaceted record in this case, we conclude that the- summary remedy entered in the District Court was not appropriate. Accordingly, we remand this case to the Superior Court with our direction that it exercise its powers in equity to determine the rights and liabilities of all the parties in this case. The Superior Court may conclude, after these determinations, that a single tenant in common may not be entitled to a judgment of eviction against Fish Company but may be entitled to other relief. In any case, it is quite clear that the controversy is not a suitable case for a summary disposition.
Therefore, we sustain the appeal of the plaintiff insofar as we vacate the Superior Court order of dismissal and remánd the case to the Superior Court for proceedings in accordance with this Order.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Isidro FONSECA v. NORTH AMERICAN SALT & FRESH FISH COMPANY, INC.
- Status
- Published