Letter Demanding Return of Landlord's
Property
A landlord is not allowed to remove a door, window,
appliance, furniture, door knob, lock or anything else even
if the landlord owns the item, unless it is for
legitimately repairing the item or in an emergency.
Landlords sometimes do this when the tenant is behind on
the rent. This practice is completely illegal. This letter
demands the compliance with the law and might encourage a
landlord to return the item without having to sue.
Lawsuit Against Landlord for Removing
Landlord's Property
You can use this form for filing suit in justice court,
also called justice of the peace or JP court. If a landlord
improperly removes a door, window, appliance, lock, door
knob, furniture you are entitled to actual damages, one
month's rent plus $500, attorney fees and court costs.
Justice court has a jurisdictional limit of $5,000 and is
sometimes more friendly to landlords because JP courts hear
evictions in their courts frequently. But, it is easier to
represent yourself in justice court, cheaper to file the
suit and you get to trial much quicker. See Sue Your Landlord to learn how to file
suit and try the case in justice court.
Lawsuit Against Landlord for Taking
Tenant Property When Landlord Claims Abandonment
You can use this form for filing suit in justice court,
also called justice of the peace or JP court. If a landlord
improperly removes property you did not abandon you are
entitled to the return of the property (or its replacement
value), actual damages plus the greater of one month's rent
or $500, attorney fees and court costs. Justice court has a
jurisdictional limit of $5,000 and is sometimes more
friendly to landlords because JP courts hear evictions in
their courts frequently. But, it is easier to represent
yourself in justice court, cheaper to file the suit and you
get to trial much quicker. See Sue Your Landlord to learn how to file
suit and try the case in justice court.
Lawsuit Against Landlord for Taking
Tenant Property Where Taking Not Authorized in Lease,
Exempt Property or Other Exception
You can use this form for filing suit in justice court,
also called justice of the peace or JP court. If a landlord
improperly removes property you are entitled to the return
of the property (or its replacement value), actual damages
plus the greater of one month's rent or $500, attorney fees
and court costs. Justice court has a jurisdictional limit
of $5,000 and is sometimes more friendly to landlords
because JP courts hear evictions in their courts
frequently. But, it is easier to represent yourself in
justice court, cheaper to file the suit and you get to
trial much quicker. See Sue Your Landlord to learn how to file
suit and try the case in justice court.