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Is it legal 4 a landlord 2 take a renters belongings and set them outside without any notice ?

Landlord Tenant Law 6 views 3 answers
We were already in the process of packing our things 2 move, I had 2 leave 2 help a friend out, I had only been gone 24 hrs got a ph call saying that the rest of our stuff was outside our apartment & we were locked out

Attorney Answers

3
Elizabeth Powell ·
It is expressly unallowed for a landlord to engage in self-help. The only person who can take your property out of your home is the sheriff, and they only do what a judge tells them to do. Lockouts (where the landlord changes the locks without a court order) are also unlawful. Damages run at $500 per day up to $5K, and you can sue to get your property back, or the value of your property as well as for outrage and all your attorney fees and costs of suit. You are going to need a lawyer, though. Elizabeth Powell
0 upvotes
Shawn Alexander ·
No. Self help evictions or lock outs are not legal in Washington only a court can issue an order to remove you. Call Law Enforcement. Good Luck
0 upvotes
W Fischer ·
As stated above, your landlord's actions were illegal. For further reference, you can go to this website which outlines your rights as a tenant. You answers are specifically addressed in Section 3 H: http://www.washingtonlawhelp.org/resource/your-rights-as-a-tenant-in-washington#_Toc346017631
0 upvotes

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