My husband was told by the property manager if he cut down a tree in the back yard it would be deducted from the rent. He did the job but months later we were still trying to get it credited towards the rent. Then we got served notice that the owner was selling so we had to move. We didnt move in 30 days and was served eviction papers. I answered the complaint and filed a waiver for the fees. When we went to court we were sitting in the court room waiting for our case to be called a clerk called our name and informed us that our waiver was denied and I needed to go down the hall and pay the filing fees of 190$. I didnt have the money and couldnt come up with it but while I was down the hall the property manager and her lawyer came up and talked to us. I told them I wasnt trying to stay in the house all I wanted was the money for the tree deducted from the rent I owed. (I didnt pay rent since the 30 day notice) The lawyer told me (after I told him I couldnt pay the fees)that a default judgement would be entered but there would be another proceeding where I would be able to challenge the amount that they claim I owed. So needless to say, we got a 5 day notice to move, which we did, but no other court date like he led me to believe. They sold the house in a matter of days. I never got the money or credit for the tree, I
also didnt get my deposit back or applied to the rent owed and now I have a default judgement against me for 2300$. We were looking to buy a house when this started, already been pre approved and now the judgement has put a stop to that as well. My question is.. what can I do about this? can I make a motion to set aside judgement or do I sue in small claims court for the tree and deposit?

