Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Washington

Re: type of crime

It is a civil matter unless the police decide to send a report to the prosecutor, who has the discretion to charge. Conversion is the interference with the property of another with the intent to remove the true owner's possessory interest. That's the civil elements of what is called, in criminal terms, theft.

If you have a written agreement for this locker, review it and see what it says about changing locks. Is there anything in there about under what circumstances the landlord can change the locks?

You can write to the landlord and give him notice that you want access to your property (or however that is provided in your contract). If he doesn't give you access, then you can sue him to recover possession of your property with a replevin action.

This isn't self-help law. Contact your county's Bar association or look on avvo.com for an attorney who can help you with this.

Elizabeth Powell