Trattman

INTRODUCTION

This case is before us for a second time. The underlying facts are set forth in detail in our prior opinion in case No. B204150, filed on June 22, 2010, and need not be restated here. Briefly, in 2007, following a bench trial on plaintiff and respondent Dieter Trattmann‟s complaint for damages for fraud and quiet title, among other things, the trial court found defendant and appellant Garrison Key fraudulently recorded deeds in his own name associated with 11 properties. The judgment entered in favor of Trattmann and against Key quieted title in 9 of the 11 properties in the names of Trattmann and Key in equal shares as tenants in common, awarded Trattmann damages in the amount of $159,808.50 (lost rent, increased tax liability and costs of sale); and held Key liable for all of the yet to be determined costs and fees associated with the receiver appointed to manage the subject properties during the litigation (the September 2007 judgment). In the prior opinion, we affirmed the liability findings against Key and remanded for a further trial on whether Trattmann was also entitled to punitive damages. We found Key‟s challenge to the receivership cost award premature…