Q: Landlord threatens to call Sheriff and change locks (see details below).
The landlord owns the home were were renting and decided to move back in at the end of our lease. We found a new rental and decided to move out 13 days before our current lease ended because Colorado weather can be tricky in the month of April. We’d fulfilled our lease and were never late. The owner did not like that the house was empty even though we checked on it everyday and did some final cleaning. He threatened to call the Sheriff and change the locks unless we provided some type of additional security measure. This threat forced us to meet with him next day (taking time away from work) and return the keys 6 days before the end of our lease. Can I sue for “illegal eviction” and punitive damages (i.e. time away from work, stress, etc.)?
A:
No - but you may be entitled to your 6 days of rent.
Additionally, the LL has a duty to comply with the CO Sec Dep Act or he may face triple damages for not properly accounting for your security deposit.
If you are unfamiliar with this rule you should contact an attorney if you fee your sec deposit has not been properly handled.
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