What to do if my landlord sold everything out of my house while I was gone and changed the locks without a eviction notice?
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What to do if my landlord sold everything out of my house while I was gone and changed the locks without a eviction notice?
I have been renting a home. I set up a pool in the back for my grandkids, my landlord said I could do whatever I wanted to do with the yard as long as I dont dig holes, destroy trees, etc. She came over (without 24 hour notice) and stated that we had 14 days to get out. She then sent me a letter saying I had until the 15th of next month to get out. This was 5 days ago. We have been in the process of moving, and skipped a day, when we came back we found the locks have been changed and all of our property had been given away/disposed of. There was no eviction. She claims abandonment. Is this legal?
Asked on May 20, 2012 under Real Estate Law, South Carolina
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
No, it certainly does not seem to be. I would hire an attorney as soon as you can. If you had paid the rent and were not properly served with paperwork necessary for an eviction (and orally can work in some states) under the facts of your case then you should not have had to worry about being away for a day. The landlord is also guilty of conversion of your property. Good luck.
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