Q: My boss is my landlord we had a verbal agreement, my husband passed away and the very next day my landlord change the
locks on my apartment and I can't get in to get any of my belongings. He told me that he will only let me come in one time. I would have to have a pickup truck and I can only get my clothes I can't get anything else that is mine out of the apartment
A: In Virginia, a landlord is prohibited from using self-help to lockout and/or evict a tenant. You should contact the Office of Housing for the jurisdiction in which the premises is located and make a formal complaint.
A: The landlord cannot simply lock you out. You can file a complaint with the court and get the landlord to pay you for your damages, which could include rent and attorney's fees. If you decide to hire a lawyer, I'm sure anyone who responds would be happy to help. Good luck.
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