IN rental laws

[gill]

My sister in law is currently in jail. She owes her landlord over $1500 in back rent. In the meantime, he has changed the locks and will not allow her property to be removed from the house, despite her permission to do so. He says he is going to sell the property to recoup some of the owed rent. Is this within his rights? What options does she have in this matter?

 

[Gail_in_Georgia]

Has the landlord filed for an actual eviction?

Gail

 

[gill]

No, no formal process has been started.

 

[Gail_in_Georgia]

A landlord cannot do a self-eviction (and changing locks would be considered one). Only a court can actually grant the eviction of a tenant.

Once the eviction is granted, the next move is that the remaining property is removed (under the watchful eye of law enforcement) from the premises. In some states a landlord cannot keep or sell what is removed.

Gail