Results 1 to 6 of 6

Hybrid View

  1. #1

    Default When Can I Change The Locks

    Hello I live in nebraska
    I own a house and was renting out the upstairs 2 bedrooms to a friend and her daughter. She never paid me Jan rent kept telling me she would pay me when she got paid then had promised she would pay me last friday. I was out of town this weekend. While I was gone she moved out most of her stuff. No rent check was left. She hasnt been back to the house for the past 3 nights. I dont feel comfortable with her entering the house when im not home anymore since most of her stuff is out. Can I go ahead and change the locks? and notify her that I have changed them and that she needs to schedule a time with me to come pick up her stuff.
    Also can I tell her she cant get her stuff until she pays me? or should i just tell her ill take her to small claims court. In the last month she has totaly changed. I over heard her talking one day about how she has a family memember in immigration and there going to screw with our paperwork (my husband is from another country and were going through the process to get him citizen ship) I dont know what this person could do to his paperwork so ive been nice to her etc.. Im just afraid of what she might do when Im not home. or who she might let into my house.
    Thanks for the help

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Posts
    2,652

    Default Re: When Can I Change The Locks

    No, do not change locks.

    No, you cannot hold her property hostage for rent payment.

    You need to give her notice or you may find yourself on the other end of a lawsuit.

    Read Nebraska Landlord Tenant Law

  3. #3

    Default Re: When Can I Change The Locks

    I gave her a 30 day notice on Jan 1. She only has a few items left at the house. She hasnt contacted me or answered any of my messages. Her myspace profile says all moved in and so happy.
    I dont think its fair that I have to live in fear.. Not knowing when shes going to come or go...
    When can I change the locks then? Her 30 day notice would have been up feb 1.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Posts
    2,652

    Default Re: When Can I Change The Locks

    You gave her written notice?

    Make sure you keep a good record on everything you are doing. (Also, the Myspace comment of her stating she has moved....)

    It appears that she has complied with your request and has ended her tenancy, other than leaving some possessions behind.

    The landlord can take immediate possession, in that case.

    Now dealing with the abandoned property issue.

    Notice is required for that as well.

    Go to: http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov/QS/...?mode=show_sta

    Click on chapter 69, then scroll down to:

    69-2303 Personal property remaining on premises; landlord; duties; notice; contents; delivery.

    The statutes following the above should lead you through the process.

  5. #5

    Default Re: When Can I Change The Locks

    I didnt give her a written notice. We had no written lease or anything. I knew I should have given her written notice. But when we talked about it she said she would be out as soon as she could. So I didnt really think of doing that.
    Im going to just go ahead and instal a chain lock on the front door then Ill change the locks on the 12th since she did send me an email like 2 weeks ago stating she would be moving out the 11th and 12th. But at least the chain will help me to feel a bit more comfrotable.
    I really wish I could go back in time and give her written notice.
    I should be able to take her to small claims court for Jan rent right? and maybe Feb until her stuff is all out of the house?
    I do have like the cable bills ( it was the only bill that was in her name) I made copys of all them that show her living there until now. She wrote me checks for every payment so I think I can request a copy from the bank. I also have the email saved from her stating when she was moving out. I have copies of the emails ive sent to her requesting payment.
    She turned the cable of last night. So I know she wont be staying at the house anymore.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Posts
    2,652

    Default Re: When Can I Change The Locks

    Yes, if she has breached the agreement and you can prove it, then you can sue her. It appears you have a good paper trail, other than having a verbal lease, those things should help you.

    She also needs to turn the keys over to you.
    ------------------

    If you decide to rent to someone in the future, get things in writing, also make sure who it is you are renting to. (Get references.....)

    Your first priority should be dealing with the abandoned property.

    Good luck.

    1. Sponsored Links
       

Similar Threads

  1. Moving Out: Are Landlords Required to Change the Locks
    By candlelight in forum Landlord-Tenant Law
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 11-30-2008, 08:12 PM
  2. Divorce: Can I Change the Locks
    By rarrington1 in forum Divorce, Annulment and Separation
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 09-04-2008, 10:14 PM
  3. Eviction Process: Can I Change the Locks?
    By o0ojeneeo0o in forum Landlord-Tenant Law
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 07-17-2008, 02:01 AM
  4. Roommates: Can I Get The Cops Involved Or Change The Locks?
    By hazelbomb in forum Landlord-Tenant Law
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 05-01-2008, 09:09 AM
  5. Co-Ownership: Can I Change The Locks?
    By Wind of Light in forum Real Estate Ownership and Title
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 02-18-2008, 08:21 PM
 
 
Sponsored Links

Legal Help, Information and Resources