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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
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    11

    Default Can You Sue a Landlord for Unlawfully Changing the Locks

    My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: PA

    I'm going to try to make this as short as possible.

    Apartment Complex unlawfully changed locks, I had court paperwork that said the locks would not be changed. I left, stayed with family for a few days until the management called, apologized and said they shouldn't have changed my locks. They gave me a new key and I was able to move back in. My lease expired the next month.

    Fast forward a month later, I moved out, owing about $900. I sued them for illegally changing my locks, my grandfather passed away and I missed the court date. The judge ruled for them because I didn't show up but no judgement was entered.

    Now, I have a 3k charge on my credit report (this is the amount I sued them for). Only two agencies are reporting, one has dropped the tradeline.

    I have money order recpts, all documents from the court, an entire folder worth of evidence that this amount is incorrect. How do I proceed?

    This may be a credit forum question.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Posts
    8,006

    Default Re: Locks Changed Unlawfully

    So they are saying you owe $3000 for them changing your locks, when they shouldn't have changed them in the first place?

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Posts
    11

    Angry Re: Locks Changed Unlawfully

    Quote Quoting free9man
    View Post
    So they are saying you owe $3000 for them changing your locks, when they shouldn't have changed them in the first place?
    That's correct! Because I didn't show up the judge automatically ruled in their favor for the amount I sued them for.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Posts
    19,901

    Default Re: Locks Changed Unlawfully

    They obviously countersued. This is what happens when you blow off a court appearance. I'm missing the point you're making about your damages for the couple of days of lockout or why you subsequently didn't think you owed them rent when you were back in.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Posts
    11

    Default Re: Locks Changed Unlawfully

    No need for the curt response. I didn't "blow off" the appearance. My grandfather died, so I decided that my family came first that week. Secondly, there were no damages within those couple of days. I sued for the gas, lodging and days of missed work because I didn't have a place to live. According to PA law, when you are unlawfully evicted you're able to sue for any expenses you occurred due to the unlawful eviction.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Posts
    1,026

    Default Re: Locks Changed Unlawfully

    "I sued for the gas, lodging and days of missed work because I didn't have a place to live."

    In your first posting you stated you "stayed with family for a few days until the management called, apologized and said they shouldn't have changed the locks." This doesn't sound like you experienced any lodging expenses.

    Gail

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Posts
    11

    Default Re: Locks Changed Unlawfully

    My only family was in North Carolina. 8 hour trip.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    252

    Default Re: Locks Changed Unlawfully

    You ex landlord likely countersued for back rent, late fees, court costs, interest and legal fees. Go to the court and get a copy of the judgment order.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Posts
    11

    Default Re: Locks Changed Unlawfully

    I called the court, there was no judgment entered.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    252

    Default Re: Locks Changed Unlawfully

    Well then call the collection agency and ask them to send you a breakdown of the charges/invoice.

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