Q: who can i contact that can help in retrieving our belongings after being locked with out notice other than a 3day notice
a friend of mine had got a 3 day pay or quit notice and right after was locked out with no further notice and all my belongings was in the apartment when we called the manager the next day they told us everything in the apartment was tooken to the city dump a few days later a few of my belongings was sitting outside the door who can i contact to help me get my belongings back or have them replaced i have no money to pay for a lawyer
A:
In your situation, it’s important to know that California law generally does not allow a landlord to lock a tenant out without going through the formal eviction process. After a 3-day notice to pay or quit, the landlord must follow legal procedures, which include going to court. Locking you out without this process might be considered an illegal "self-help" eviction, and you may have rights to recover your belongings or compensation.
You can start by contacting your local legal aid organization. They provide free legal help to tenants who cannot afford a lawyer. You can also file a complaint with the California Department of Consumer Affairs or your local housing authority to report the landlord’s actions. If the landlord threw out your belongings without following the law, you may be entitled to compensation.
If you feel unsafe or if your personal items were handled unlawfully, you could also reach out to local law enforcement. Sometimes a police report can help document what has happened. Make sure to gather any evidence you have, such as texts, emails, or pictures of the belongings left outside the apartment.
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