Jackson Estate v. Suydam
Jackson Estate v. Suydam
Opinion of the Court
On May 11, 1910, respondent leased to appellant Suydam an apartment house in Seattle, known as the Belgravia, for a term of five years, at a monthly rent of $1,250. On the same day, Suydam and the other appellants
The only question presented on the appeal is whether the $6,250 shall be held to be liquidated damages, as stated in the bond, or as a penalty. It does not seem to us it is necessary to determine that question, or that, in the light of the findings, such a determination is decisive of this appeal. The court below found that respondent had been damaged, by reason of the failure of Suydam or his assignee to carry out the terms of the lease, in excess of $7,000, because of a depreciation in the rental value of the premises. This being found and the finding being sustained by the evidence, respondent was plainly entitled to a judgment against appellants in the sum of $6,250, whether that sum be held as a penalty or liquidated damages. Georgia Land & Cotton Co. v. Flint, 35 Ga. 226. We decline, therefore, to discuss the legal phase of the matter as between liquidated damages and a penalty, inasmuch as under either holding respondent is entitled to judgment under the findings.
Judgment affirmed.
Crow, C. J., Mount, Ellis, and Fullerton, JJ., concur.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Jackson Estate v. Hendrick Suydam
- Status
- Published
- Syllabus
- Indemnity — Bonds—’Actions—Liability—Liquidated Damages or Penalty. Where a landlord, who was secured by bond, was damaged in an amount exceeding the sum secured by the bond, by reason of the lessee’s default, he is entitled to judgment in an action on the bond, whether for liquidated damages as specified in the bond, or by way of penalty.