Can my landlord change the locks and tow my car with no notice?
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Can my landlord change the locks and tow my car with no notice?
We are in the last month of our lease, slowly moving things out. We were late with rent due to a medical emergency. The landlord went to the property, let himself in, changed the locks, and towed the car with no notice. We happened to drive by the house and notice the car gone. We went to the police and they refused to help, saying he was within his rights to declare the property abandoned. State law says this can occur on the 10th day of non-payment but he did this on the 7th day.
Asked on June 13, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Kansas
Answers:
MD, Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
This is a civil matter, not a criminal matter. You need to sue your landlord for trespass and for conversion. Collect all monies owed to the tow company and see what happens when you sue in small claims court or landlord tenant court. There is not much you are going to get because you were in the last month of your lease.
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