Couple sues Mason Co. man over rental property

WINFIELD -- A couple is suing a man who leased some property from them after they claim he failed to pay for taxes, assessments and utilities.

Mason County resident James Todd Bowen agreed to lease some property in Putnam County from S. Scott and Laura Miller for a monthly rental of $2,500 in the first of each month from June 1, 2008, through November 2009.

Bowen agreed to pay all charges from utilities, sewer and water and was liable for a 5 percent late fee on any rent remaining due after the tenth of each month, according to a complaint filed Jan. 5 in Putnam Circuit Court.

The Millers claim Bowen is in breach of the terms of the lease by failing to pay the monthly rent installments of $2,500 per month from Jan. 1, 2009 until Nov. 30, 2009, for a total rent due of $27,500, plus a 5 percent late charge on the delinquent rent in the sum of $1,375.

Bowen is also in breach of the terms of the lease by failing to keep the property insured in the amount of $1,411.43 for the term of the lease, according to the suit.

The Millers claim they suffered damages in the amount of $32,982.33 and are seeking for damages in that amount. They are being represented by Christopher S. Smith of Hoyer, Hoyer & Smith.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Phillip M. Stowers.

Putnam Circuit Court case number: 10-C-3