I was caught in a bad situation with Mr. Mercer. I renting a condo that flooded ruined my belongings and caused me serious health problems.
He led me to believe for about a half a month, everything is Ok and the problem he would taken care of, all the way until rent was due.
For a few weeks I was staying with a friend thinking the best.
It turned on me so bad. I ended up in court and lost. I found a way to get it back into court hiring a lawyer realizing, Mark understands how to sue you and win. He will not stop at that; believe me; he will get a wage assignment or worst.
The first lawyer was not in my best interest. You need to be careful or you will put out money and end up in worst shoes than when you retain an attorney
I switched lawyers finding one that will honestly work for me. Tina Rippy; 216 N Court Street Rockford IL 61103. Even if you cant afford an attorney; file as a pauper (it is free) and file a counter claim in Small Claims Court. Security Deposit Return Act is usually the best against Mark.
Dont try and go pro se or not show up. Use the same techniques as Mark: file a counter claim(run up the clock) and save for an attorney, its pennies on the dollar.