Masjedi

FACTS AND PRIOR PROCEEDINGS

The conflict between the parties arose over a kitchen water leak. In 2014, Masjedi rented a condominium from Valdez in the Rampart Village neighborhood of Los Angeles. At some point in 2023, Masjedi replaced the refrigerator Valdez had originally provided in the unit. Masjedi claims he did so with Valdez’s consent; Valdez denies this. The water filter for the new refrigerator was not installed correctly, causing a leak into a neighboring unit and to the complex’s parking garage. A neighbor notified Valdez of the leak, as did a representative of the homeowners’ association. Valdez alleges that when she and a handyman went to inspect the unit, they discovered that Masjedi

1 Subsequent unspecified statutory references are to the Code of Civil Procedure.

2 had tampered with the electrical wires and had changed the locks without Valdez’s permission. According to Valdez, Masjedi became belligerent, ordered Valdez and the handyman to leave, and attempted to push Valdez out. Valdez sent Masjedi a letter telling him that he would need to vacate the apartment to allow for repairs to the water pipes and drywall, along with “lots of other repairs.” According to…