Walk It Through: The Changed Locks
Rent a few days late, a new lock on the door, the water shut off, and two months' rent in damages.
Rent is a few days late. The tenant comes home from work to find the lock changed.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
One lockout over late rent. A tenant's belongings removed, a hotel guest, a roommate locked out by another roommate and a criminal charge against the landlord are not worked through here.
A practice walkthrough, not a prediction of how any real one will go. Legal information, not legal advice.
Words this turns on
Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.
- Forcible entry and detainerThe court action to recover possession of property, used to evict a tenant who holds over or leaves rent unpaid for three days after it is due.
- Quiet enjoymentA tenant's right to possession without interference. A landlord who unlawfully removes or excludes the tenant owes two months' rent in damages and any deposit and advance rent.
- Holding overStaying after the lease ends. If the landlord accepts rent, the lease is presumed renewed on the same terms for the same time, not exceeding one year.