At any time prior to the sale or other final disposition of the property by the levying officer or petitioner as provided for under Code Section 44-14-236 but no later than 30 days after service as provided for under Code Section 44-14-265, the defendant may appear and file any legal or equitable defense or counterclaim to the petitioner's claim for a writ of immediate possession. After the filing of such defense or counterclaim, a trial of any issue requiring a trial shall be had in accordance with the procedure prescribed for civil actions in courts of record.