I lost my job and am behind on rent. My landlord had changed the locks denying my access . I know this is illegal. How do I solve it? ...

Submitted by T cook79 on

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Question: 

I lost my job and am behind on rent. My landlord had changed the locks denying my access . I know this is illegal. How do I solve it?

Selected Answer: 

In Florida, a landlord cannot

Submitted by elizabethcarlsen on

In Florida, a landlord cannot perform self help measures like locking out a tenant because of the tenant’s failure to pay rent. Instead, the landlord must file a complaint to begin the eviction case. If the eviction case is successful, the landlord will receive a court order and writ of possession which will then be delivered to the sheriff’s office. The sheriff can then remove the tenant’s property from the residence and change the locks. A landlord who acts in violation of the law and locks out a tenant can be liable to the tenant for damages, including up to three months’ rent or the cost of actual damages. You can sue the landlord in small claims court if your damages are less than $5,000. In addition, you have the option of filing an injunction, ordering the landlord to let you back into your residence. You can also call the police if the landlord is trying to force you out of your residence without following the proper legal procedure. If you have any additional questions regarding Florida’s eviction procedure or if you are still unsure what to do next, contact an experienced Florida attorney as soon as possible.

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In Florida, a landlord cannot

Submitted by elizabethcarlsen on

In Florida, a landlord cannot perform self help measures like locking out a tenant because of the tenant’s failure to pay rent. Instead, the landlord must file a complaint to begin the eviction case. If the eviction case is successful, the landlord will receive a court order and writ of possession which will then be delivered to the sheriff’s office. The sheriff can then remove the tenant’s property from the residence and change the locks. A landlord who acts in violation of the law and locks out a tenant can be liable to the tenant for damages, including up to three months’ rent or the cost of actual damages. You can sue the landlord in small claims court if your damages are less than $5,000. In addition, you have the option of filing an injunction, ordering the landlord to let you back into your residence. You can also call the police if the landlord is trying to force you out of your residence without following the proper legal procedure. If you have any additional questions regarding Florida’s eviction procedure or if you are still unsure what to do next, contact an experienced Florida attorney as soon as possible.