Can a landlord hold your personal property and not allow you to move it unless you pay so much a day and if you can’t pay him he will not let you in?

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Can a landlord hold your personal property and not allow you to move it unless you pay so much a day and if you can’t pay him he will not let you in?

Asked on June 28, 2012 under Real Estate Law, California

Answers:

Cameron Norris, Esq. / Law Office of Gary W. Norris

Answered 11 years ago | Contributor

The facts here are a little vague, but I will do my best.  If you were behind in rent and the items were in your dwelling place, then the landlord has no right to take any of your things and also has no right to prevent you from entering. 

This is called landlord "self-help" and its illegal.  Landlord's must following the judicial process of wrongful detainer and eviction.  You could sue (ouster, trespassing, trespass to chattel), but your best bet is to call the district attorney's office about your landlord's illegal behavior.


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