Nashville, TN asked in Civil Rights and Landlord - Tenant for Tennessee

Q: My landlord passed away. I've been living there for going on 3 years. His kids are his beneficiaries and they just stole

Stole my stuff and changed the locks what do I do

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: I'm sorry to hear about your situation. It's important to know that as a tenant, you have rights that must be respected, even in the event of a landlord's passing.

First, if your belongings were taken and the locks changed without proper notice, this could be considered illegal eviction and theft. You should immediately report this to the local police. Document everything that happened, including what was stolen and any interactions with your landlord's children.

It's also essential to review your lease agreement. The terms of your lease typically continue to be in effect, even after the landlord's death, until the lease period ends or until a new agreement is made with the property's new owners.

You may need to seek legal assistance to regain access to your home and recover your belongings. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and the appropriate legal steps to take in this situation.

Remember, taking swift action is key in protecting your rights and resolving this issue as quickly as possible.

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