What are my rights if my landlord locked me out and refused to let me in because my roomate owes rent?
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What are my rights if my landlord locked me out and refused to let me in because my roomate owes rent?
She has apparently either changed the locks of jammed the deadbolt so I cannot get it. She refuses to let me in to get my things and has also stated she refuses to service me or my roommate as tenants until she gets paid the rest of the rent for the semester in full. She also will not admit to changing the locks but will only say the door is jammed and she refuses to fix it until she gets her rent in full and my things will remain in the apartment as well. She had also failed to give any court ordered eviction notice or notify us that this was coming. I am a senior scheduled to graduate.
Asked on November 27, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Maryland
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
If your landlord used self help and locked you and your roomate out of the rental you have because the roommate owes back rent, you landlord engaged in impermissible conduct that for all intents and purposes amounts to constructive eviction.
I suggest that you immediately consult with a landlord tenant attorney about your situation. Your landlord is not able to legally lock you and your roommate out of your rental depriving you of your belongings.
If you do not want to consult with a lawyer, you should speak with your landlord after you have carefully read your lease in an attempt to regain access to your apartment.
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