Tenant Rights For Belongings

Summary

In Tennessee, tenant rights apply even if housing is tied to employment. Landlords must provide written notice before eviction or changing locks. If belongings are inaccessible, contact the police and consider legal advice. Document missing items, send a written request for access, and consult a local attorney if necessary.

Full Conversation

My husband was employed in Tennessee as a maintenance man for a off site realty company at one of their numerous apartment complexs. He was given a unit at the apartment complex he worked at to live in while he worked there and we did sign a lease. He has recently quite do to confrontation with the apartment complex manger. Do the regular renters laws apply as far as us being able to get our belongings out of the apartment?
****, generally, tenant rights still apply even if the unit was tied to employment. You should be able to retrieve your belongings. Tenant rights in Tennessee include:
- Right to notice before eviction.
- Right to retrieve personal property.
- Right to a habitable living environment.
Have you received any formal eviction notice or communication from the property management?
No
****, since you haven't received a formal eviction notice, you still have tenant rights. It’s crucial to know that in Tennessee:
- Landlords must provide a written notice before eviction.
- You have the right to retrieve your personal belongings.
Could you let me know if the property management has restricted access to the apartment or communicated anything verbally?
They have changed the locks and I don't know if my belongings are still there or not.
It sounds like you might still have tenant rights. In Tennessee, landlords must provide written notice before evicting tenants or changing locks. If your belongings are still in the apartment, you have the right to access them.
One question: Have you tried contacting the property management to request access to your belongings?
No I have not due to him not being very friendly
It seems you have a strong case for retrieving your belongings. In Tennessee, landlords must provide written notice before changing locks and you have the right to access your possessions.
Have you considered sending a written request to the property management to arrange access to your belongings?
I haven't but I can. What if my belongings are no longer there can I sign a theft warrant on him or whoever it was that removed my property?
****, you may potentially pursue a theft charge if your belongings were removed without your consent. Here are the steps:
- File a police report for the missing items.
- Provide proof of ownership and any relevant documentation.
- Consider consulting with a local attorney for further action.
Have you documented a detailed list of the missing items and their approximate value?
No but I can
****, given the circumstances, it sounds like you have a potential case for retrieving your belongings or pursuing further action if they are missing.
- Document a detailed list of missing items and their value.
- Send a written request to the property management for access.
- File a police report if your belongings are missing.
Have you considered consulting with a local attorney to discuss your next steps?
So if I go there now and can't access the apartment should I call the police
****, yes, if you go to the apartment and cannot access it, you should call the police. Make sure to explain the situation, including that the locks were changed without written notice and that your belongings are inside. This ensures you have an official record of the incident and may help you gain access or recover your possessions.
Okay ty
****, it sounds like you have a solid case. Here's a summary of your next steps:
- Document a detailed list of missing items and their value.
- Send a written request for access to the property management.
- Call the police if you cannot access the apartment.
- Consider consulting a local attorney for further action.
Would you like more information on how to find a local attorney?