If a house has been foreclosed on, is it legal to enter to obtain family pictures and keepsakes if the locks have been changed?
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If a house has been foreclosed on, is it legal to enter to obtain family pictures and keepsakes if the locks have been changed?
The locks were changed and the utilities are off.
Asked on March 19, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Pennsylvania
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
First, who changed the locks? If it was the sheriff (or similar law enforcement official), pursuant to a proper, court ordered eviction, then the lock out is proper. You should still be able to acess our belongings, and should first ask the current owner (presumably the bank) for permission; if they won't grant it, you wll need to bring a legal action to apply to the court.
However, if the locks were not changed on your pursuant to a court-ordered eviction--or if they were changed by the bank or other private entity, not government officials--then the lock out may be illegal and you may be entitled to access and possibly to monetary damages. Only the sheriff (or similar official) may lock out, and only pursuant to a proper eviction after court order. If this is not what happened, consult with an attorney--you may have a lawsuit to bring.
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