Landlord ignored court order. Changed Locks/Removed all my belongings!?
April 4th, 2011 | 
Author: I was court ordered on Aug 19th, that I had to move by Aug 31rst. At that time the security deposit would be applied to my balance as applicable, and I would contact the landlords attorney to make payments on anything else that was owed if so. Since last week the 24th, the locks on my apartment were changed without any notice. I have been back and forth with the landlords attorney. They are aware that it is illegal for my landlord to change locks since I have court paperwork. I called my landlord and basically was just rude, wouldn’t discuss about the lock, and hung up on me. On Friday, I was told that I would get a call about a new key. I never recvd a call. I called again on the weekend but could only leave messages. Today Aug 30th, I got a hold of the landlord finally and found out that he already removed all of my items from the apartment! I got extemely emotional because a lot of my daugthers personal memorable items were there, and now its all gone. I plan to go to court and file against him. Is there anything I would need? I do have pictures of items, but not everything. I also don’t have receipts because most stuff was purchased on craigslist, or gifts, and any receipts i do have were there at the apartment. Please help! Any advice is appreciated!
Posted in Landlord Tenant Law
You would only get garage sale value of anything the judge believed you about.
However, this is not necessarily illegal. If you vacated the unit, you were not sleeping and eating there it is legal for him to change the lock, you were no longer residing there. The court order states that you have to be out by the 31st, it did not require you to live there until then, you can legally move before and the landlord can legally change the locks once you have moved.
I’d contact your attorney you have. They will be able to provide you the correct way to approach the situation for court. I’d make sure you document everything also and keep everything in writing. By law with your landlord changing the locks on you and getting rid of your stuff like that from what you described he is in serious trouble once going to court.