Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Illinois
Landlord held and disposed of property
I was renting a home that was being renovated. The agreement was $600 per month, no utilities. She stated that they would be remodeling the home, and that the term would be 6 months. After less than 6 weeks, I received notice from the landlord that I had 10 days to move. (I did manage to find another place to move in time and was going to have all of my things out that weekend.) When I arrived home that night, the landlord had changed the locks and put my belongings in the garage and my pets were in the house. I brought the police and removed the belongings that were in the garage, and got my cat out of the house, but did not have room for a large aquarium. We made an arangement for me to come the next day and pick up the rest.
When I got there, she demanded $300 for what she calls nonpayment of rent and utilities. She held property worth well over $2000 and held pets also.
I have gotten together the $300 that she wants, and called to make arangements to pick up the rest of my stuff, and was informed that she ''gave'' the pets away, and didn't know where they were and couldn't get them back.
I have had these pets for several years, and they really mean alot to me.
I need to know what my options are.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Landlord held and disposed of property
Without going into great detail the landlord acted in a highhanded manner and almost everything she did was inappropriate and probably illegal. Was the lease written or oral. In any event you need a lawyer to help you through all this -- someone that knows the rights of a tenant can be of help. You can't do it yourself.
Re: Landlord held and disposed of property
The police are used to handling criminal, vice civil matters. With a person like your landlord, litigation might be your only option. I would recommend that you contact a real estate attorney with litigation experience as soon as possible so that your rights are protected. Good Luck!
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