John Stevens owned a dilapidated apartment that he rented to James and Cora

Chesney for a low rent. The Chesneys began to remodel and rehabilitate the

unit. Over a four-year period, they installed two new bathrooms, carpeted the

floors, installed new septic and heating systems, and rewired, replumbed, and

painted. Stevens periodically stopped by and saw the work in progress. The

Chesneys transformed the unit into a respectable apartment. Three years after

their work was done, Stevens served the Chesneys with an eviction notice. The

Chesneys counterclaimed, seeking the value of the work they had done. Are

they entitled to it? Comment on the law and the ethics.