Can my roommates change the locks on me?

Question

I moved in with two boys and they became very violent towards each other, litterally beating each other up. They even went to hit me a couple of times. I moved all my stuff out, but left behind my tv and computer desk. Then they changed the locks so I couldn't get the rest of my things. We had a "roommate agreement" but it wasn't notorized. And I've already paid my rent up until the end of January. Even though I'm not on the actual lease, they can't do that since I've already paid my rent. Right? They refuse to give me my things back. One roommates dad is a sherriff and his mom is a lawyer. So I'm pretty much screwed, huh?


I live in Ohio by the way.

Answer 1

its sad that the people that uphold the laws and law makers wont help you i guess it might hurt their reps pick better friends not sons of cops the think their above the law preachers sons the same get normal friends

Answer 2

You may not be completely screwed.They can not deny you of your property if you can prove it is your property.I am sure you have a copy of your roommate agreement.If it ist worth going to court over you should set up a consulation with his mom.You know you would not let her represent you,but after she has heard your side she can not represent him,that is a conflict of interest.Sometimes a little smoke goes a long way.A sherriff is a political office,maybe you had to move out because you felt you were in physical danger.You said they were violent and you were almost hit a few times.Maybe you need a order of protection or something if you feel you are in danger.

Answer 3

No you're not screwed. They have to give you 30 days notice to evict you and you of course have to give a 30 days notice that you are going to move out, whether or not you're on the lease (you were subleasing from them).

tne note/contract doesn't need to be notarize,d and it doesn't matter if their parents are a cop or lawyer. By law, by changing the locks they violated the agreement with you.

contact the police, have them assign you a cop so that you can go down to collect your items.

Answer 4

Tell them they have 3 days to give you access to the apartment, (with at least one of them being present to witness), so you can come collect your TV, desk and any other stuff. Give them a dated & itemized receipt to make it official that this is the end of your roomate relationship.

If they refuse, file a suit in your town's small claims court, and estimate the replacement costs of your belonging which they still have possession of. I think you would easily win - do you have any photos, or receipts for your stuff?

You can also threaten to file assault and battery charges on the one who hit you - that should get their attention real fast.

Your town might have a mediation board for renters disputes (normally used to settle problems between landlords and renters.) The board might have more suggestions.

They are being selfish and acting like children. Even though one's father is a cop and his mom is a lawyer, that kind of behavior is not tolerable.

Answer 5

I would go to the police. If the boy's dad wants to throw his weight around I would go to the FBI and claim a conspiracy and corruption within the sheriffs dept. Call the local TV news station and tell them what the sheriff is up to. In the mean time watch your back. All you want is your things back. Call their parents and tell them your side of the story and what you want back. If they try to say it is theirs report it stolen. Contact the mayor's office. Even the sheriff has a boss. Or you can just write it off. Would be less trouble to chalk this up to experience, lesson learned and write it off. Don't feel bad though. This happens all of the time. Vote against dude's dad in the next election.

Answer 6

Yes you are screwed You had no written agreement and were not on the lease