2006-11-07 11:45:58 · 8 answers · asked by sexcii_bunniiee82 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
housing auth........
2006-11-07 11:47:09 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
They can change all the locks they want but they can't lock you out without a court order.
Which one did they do?
If they were just changing locks because they got better locks or something, they should have made arrangements to either give you or have you pick up your new keys that same day so you aren't inconvenienced. It's not against the law to put in new locks.
If you came home and you were locked out on purpose by your landlord without a court order, you need to go to the courthouse and apply for an emergent hearing called an "order to show cause". Some places have different names for it, but if you tell the clerk you were the victim of an illegal lockout or self-help eviction, they will be able to give you the right paperwork to fill out. A Judge will see you quickly, usually within a couple of hours. Then the Judge will sign an order to let you back in with police assistance if necessary.
After you get back in, find a lawyer who specializes in Landlord/Tenant law and tell them that you were the victim of a self-help eviction and had to go to court to be let back in. If your state allows damages for this (most do), getting a lawyer will be very easy. Some states have minimum amounts the landlord must pay you as damages, and others leave it to the lawyer to negotiate on your behalf. Don't be a fool ... get a lawyer and get whatever the law in your area allows.
2006-11-07 20:50:54 · answer #2 · answered by BoomChikkaBoom 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe your apartment complex has the right to change locks. Most of the time it isn't a bad thing though. From my experience, door locks have been changed due to outside contractors having access to keys for repairs, etc. Mailbox locks are a different story.
2006-11-07 19:50:38 · answer #3 · answered by miaalyse 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well your landlord can change locks because he ownes the apartment but if you can't get to your stuff I would just call the landowner and ask him first for a new key for the apartment but if he won't give you one call the cops would probably be the best thing to do.
2006-11-07 19:59:25 · answer #4 · answered by Logan 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am sure it depends on why they changed the locks. Are you behind on rent, have they served you papers to vacate? If not, then I would certainly approach them and ask for keys as well as a reason why he changed the locks. Lets hope it is a good answer and you get access to your place very soon. Best of luck to you.
2006-11-07 20:09:21 · answer #5 · answered by beeotch 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why did he change your locks? If you are not on any type of Government assistance there really isn't anyone to report him to. You should contact your local police department if your belongings are still in the apartment.
2006-11-07 19:57:18 · answer #6 · answered by kgreives 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Housing authority, but that takes time. If you have a lease, call the police. She can't change the locks or even enter your apartment without first giving you ample notice and without your being there.
2006-11-07 19:48:48 · answer #7 · answered by Allison S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did you ask him the reason he changed your locks?
2006-11-07 19:47:28 · answer #8 · answered by newyorkgal71 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋