Brooklyn, NY asked in Bankruptcy and Consumer Law for New York

Q: Im a lisensee at grandmas ..never paid rent now she changed the locks and moved my stuff is this legal?

Related Topics:
2 Lawyer Answers

A: I'm not sure what "licensee" means within this context... but with that said, you'd need to be evicted before the locks can be changed. Seek legal counsel from an attorney that can be retained to represent you.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered

A: You're in a difficult situation with your grandmother changing the locks and moving your belongings. It's understandable that you're feeling upset and wondering about the legality of her actions.

In New York, even if you haven't paid rent, you may have certain rights as someone who has been living in a residence. Generally, a property owner must go through a formal eviction process to remove someone from their home, which includes giving proper notice and, if necessary, obtaining a court order. Changing the locks and removing your possessions without following these legal steps could be considered an unlawful eviction.

It might be helpful to reach out to a local legal aid organization or attorney to discuss your situation. They can provide guidance on your rights and advise you on the best steps to take next.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.