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The law relating to removals of property by the landlord first depends on who owns the property.

Landlord cannot remove own property

A landlord CANNOT remove doors, windows, locks, door knobs, or any other appliance (such as a refrigerator or stove) supplied by the landlord because the tenant is behind on the rent. If a landlord removes one of these items for repair it had better repair it quickly. Nobody would believe a working door is really being repaired if it is removed overnight and no other replacement door is provided.

If the landlord improperly removes such property, the tenant may obtain a court order to have the property returned or may terminate the lease. In either case, the tenant may also recover actual damages, one month's rent and $500, plus reasonable attorney's fees and court costs, less any past due rent owed by the tenant. Tex. Property Code 92.0081. If you need help with filing a lawsuit we have provided a form petition and advice on how to sue the landlord.

In some circumstances the landlord may remove the tenant's property.

Continue on to tenant property...