Ex Parte Martin

Relief from this court is requested by an original petition for writ of mandamus. Petitioner is a former radio announcer known as William (Billy) Martin, residing in an apartment unit of East Bay Apartments, a complex located in Baldwin County. On January 13, 1982 respondent, East Bay Apartments, filed an action seeking damages for breach of a lease agreement against petitioner in the District Court of Baldwin County. It was alleged that Martin had defaulted in making rent payments under his lease for a period of three months, and had failed to pay late charges as required by the lease. The…