Tenant's stubborn refusal to pay rent resulting in expensive eviction process for homeowner, as discovered when tenants were found on social media platform Facebook.

In a courtroom on the island of Oahu, Will Choy is fighting to reclaim his family's home that was rented out via Facebook Marketplace. The property, a 3-bedroom, 3-bath house and detached cottage on Nawiliwili Street in Hawaii Kai, has been in the hands of the Brewer family, who have a history of legal disputes with landlords.

Choy rented the property to Todd and Missy Brewer for $8,500 a month in March, hoping to cover mounting bills as the property was under repair. However, the Brewers, who are not related to the Milwaukee Brewers, a Major League Baseball team based in Wisconsin, have failed to meet their financial obligations.

According to Choy, the Brewers are more than $60,000 in arrears on rent and taxes, and he fears that his mentally and physically disabled sister, for whom the rent from the property is used to pay for her care, may lose her home due to unpaid bills.

Todd Brewer, in a counterclaim, alleges that Choy failed to disclose issues with the property and plans to sue Choy for breach of contract. The Brewers, however, have refused to pay rent since May.

Choy is expecting damages from the Brewers, and the court has returned the property to him in July. Sheriffs are waiting to execute the order returning the property to Choy.

The Brewers have a history of legal disputes with landlords. In their previous rental in Aina Haina, they were evicted and ordered to pay the homeowner $30,000 in rent, damages, and fees. They were also evicted from a house in Kapolei in 2023, for which they owe $30,000.

Attorney Andrew Stewart advises landlords to carefully vet applicants, including requiring solid references, background checks, and making sure bank checks are cleared before letting tenants move in. Choy hopes that others will learn from his mistake.

The case between Choy and the Brewers is due back in court on Sept 10. As the court battle continues, Choy remains hopeful that he will be able to regain his family's home.