T O P

Can a landlord legally evict a tenant by throwing out all their stuff while they are away, and changing the front door lock and locking them out?

Nope, at least not in the USA.

Eviction laws changing depending on the state, but they typically require multiple forms of contact giving 30+ days of advance notice

tmahfan117

Nope, at least not in the USA. Eviction laws changing depending on the state, but they typically require multiple forms of contact giving 30+ days of advance notice


aRabidGerbil

An eviction requires a court order, without one a landlord can't do anything. After and order is obtained, that the tenant (and their possessions) have no right to be in the residence and the landlord can legally have them removed and change the locks.


FriendlyLawnmower

No. Exactly how they can evict you depends on the state. But at the very least they have to notify you in advance and give you a chance to claim your property. Furthermore, the actual eviction can't be a "surprise", they're supposed to come with police at which time you'll be told you have to leave and you can start moving your stuff out. Some places, like New York, actually require landlords to move any property from the tenant to a storage locker at their own expense (though the locker will be charged to the tenant). But a landlord does not have the right to throw your stuff out without a court order and ample warnings


aaronite

I suppose there might be some places where that's legal but not anywhere in most of North America or Europe


lkvwfurry

Need more context. Do the renters have a signed lease? Have they violated the lease? Have they been given repeated warnings? Is there a lawyer involved etc.?


illogictc

Can't even do that with at-will. A lease just clearly spells out the rules and rights of both parties and sets up a term rather than being month to month.