Can a landlord change the locks and hold items from a person leasinga business if they went in default with their lease?
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Can a landlord change the locks and hold items from a person leasinga business if they went in default with their lease?
Asked on March 2, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Wisconsin
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Yes, a landlord can change the locks of his or her tenant that went into default concerning their lease and hold the personal belongings as ransom. However, for the landlord to do such would most likely subject him or her to a civil action by the tenant.
To change the locks of a tenant in possession and hold the tenant's property hostage as asked in your question is clearly improper under the law.
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