Landlord changed locked but have until Aug 31rst to move!?
April 2nd, 2011 | 
Author: Went to court on Aug 19th. The court papers state that I will be there until August 31rst. On that day the landlord can come to the property and apply the security deposit towards the balance owed as applicable. Then it says to contact the landlords attorney to make a payment arrangement after I move out.
So 8/25, I go to finish getting stuff out of my apartment and my locks have been changed! I called the landlord and he didn’t call me back. I called the landlords attorney the following day, and they are aware its against the law. They called me back and made me call my landlords cell phone. My landlord was very rude, would not talk about the lock change, and was just demanding payments. I was not rude to him. I told him that what it comes down to is that I have until Aug 31rst, and than I willl call your attorney to make payments as stated in the court order. The landlord hung up on me. I called the attorneys office back and they said they would call him and get back to me. Nobody called me that day, so today Aug 27th I called the attorney office again and she said that someone was going to be calling me about the locks. Its almost 5pm, and I assume I am not getting a call again.
Because this against the law and a breech of contract. I feel I should get atleast a week longer to get my stuff or money paid for each day Ive been locked out. I missed out on help with a truck because I couldnt get in my apartment and there are important stuff I need. There was a baby coach in the doorway, which is not there. Which makes me wonder if it was moved or he threw out some of my stuff?? I dont know if I call police will they give me the adequate time to get all my belongings, or should I go back to landlord tenant court and file an appeal of somesort. Please help I am clueless!
Posted in Landlord Tenant Law
If it’s against the law, call the police.
If he’s disposed of anything, take him to small claims court and present all evidence you have of condition, contacts, papers.
So long as your belongings are there, you still occupy the premises — this was my understanding. I am a landlord as well. It is none of the landlord’s business where you sleep. That is not jail.
The main thing is getting your stuff out before the court papers say you have to have your things removed.
I would call the police, present them with the court papers, and remove the things yourself. I would also ask the officers to tell you how you can file for the missing property if he threw the things away. I would also pursue the illegal actions in court and demand a settlement.
The landlord is bound by the court’s decision and he is in clear violation, so you should pursue this in court before you make any payments on the back rent you owe.
Good luck.
You had until the 31st to move out, but if you vacated the premises earlier (stopped sleeping there) the landlord is allowed to secure their property. The 31st was the latest date you could vacate, but it does not mean you can not vacate sooner.
I would call that lawyer and tell her that you will be at the apartment at a certain time and if the landlord is not there, you will just call the police. Don’t be intimidated, and don’t take “No” for an answer. “I am calling you as a courtesy. I will be at the apartment today at 3pm and I expect you to have the landlord meet me there so that I can get my property. If the landlord is not there by 3:30pm, I will call the police and have them handle it. Thank you-Good by.”
You want it documented that he changed the locks and is denying you access. Let them send an officer and you should at least be able to get your stuff. I would be wanting to just get out as quickly as possible. Get your property and go.