Derwinski v. Nichols

Edward J. Derwinski, in his capacity as secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs ("VA") sued Nick Nichols. In its complaint, the VA alleged that from March through June 1992 Nichols had resided in, and had caused damage to, a house owned by the VA and he had done so without just cause or lawful right and without compensating the VA for his use and enjoyment of the house and for the alleged damage thereto. The VA sought a judgment against Nichols in the amount of $2,341.67. Nichols answered, contending that he had been in lawful possession of the house pursuant to a valid lease from the…