My landlord owes me over $6,500. For three years my landlord overcharged me rent. I reported him to rent control the Rent Control board. Rent control decided the amount overcharged, and the amount owed to me.
My question is: How do i collect?
Do I take him to civil court for the money owed or do I deduct it from my rent? Other tenants have sued him before and he never pays, so I feel taking him to civil court would be useless.
Also, I do not want to withhold rent, which he will start eviction proceedings. Is there a level form I have to file prior to my withholding the rent?

