Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Arkansas

My Roomates Locked me out and will not Return my belongings, What do I do?

After the death of my domestic partner, some former friends of mine invited me to move in with them while I re-establised my finances. This arrangement was mutually benificial, since I had a household of furniture, and they were just moving here with nothing. After staying with them for three months they locked me out of the house and will not return my belongings to me. This is 11 years of hard work and momentoes, furniture and possetions they are holding. They have decided that I now owe them back rent. We have no written agreements and because they are holding everything I cannot even get my birth certificates, and other important documents and reciepts. I have attemted to retrieve my belongings on several occasions but they will not communicate or respond to my requests. How do I file legal action to have my belongings returned?


Asked on 1/23/04, 4:18 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Harvey Harris Harris Law Firm

Re: My Roomates Locked me out and will not Return my belongings, What do I do?

They cannot keep your possessions. That is theft/conversion. You might mention that to them. That might be enough to get them to let you get your property. If not, you may have to contact an attorney or the police. A letter from an attorney would be fairly strong and would be able to explain to the people holding your property what could happen if they don't return your property.

Now, if you do owe them rent, you might consider paying the rent or offering to pay it and hopefully that would get your property back.

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Answered on 1/23/04, 10:46 pm


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