Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Illinois

Landlord ability to hold property?

Hello,

I was connected to your name by lawguru.com, mentioning free consultation. Over this last summer, I stayed at the fraternity house that I had been living at since August, 2002. The others who lived there had signed rent contracts, but I had not signed a rent contract. Three weeks ago, a couple of guys got angry that I hadn't paid rent (they were drunk so it got a little out of hand) and I moved out the next day. I placed a note on my refrigerator saying ''I'll move the computer tomorrow,'' but I also asked the house man if I could keep it in the room until I moved into my new apartment (which I did yesterday). Last week, though, the house's treasurer said that I couldn't get my computer until I paid the rent that I owed. I want to avoid being taken to small claims court, but won't really be able to pay the rent until I return from studying in London in January. Can I be taken to small claims court if I call the police and report the computer stolen? I don't have the money for an attorney and don't want to have any legal proceedings planned or ongoing while I am abroad. What should I do to get my computer back? Any advice would be MUCH appreciated.


Asked on 9/02/03, 12:27 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Mary McDonagh McDonagh-Faherty Law Offices

Re: Landlord ability to hold property?

They do not have a right to hold the computer. However, the only way you may be able to get the computer back is by taking them to court. I would suggest you have a letter written to them from an attorney demanding return. They have a right to sue you - as every citizen. However, there is nothing you can do to prevent that whilst you are abraod.

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Answered on 9/02/03, 2:20 pm


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