Basement lockout

[MarilynLV]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

RI

A friend is moving and her landlords are making it hard for her.

They have locked the basement and some of her belongings are there. She asked the landlord to open it and he said his wife has the key.

This has never been an issue before.

 

[FarmerJ]

Tell your friend to send them a note via confirmed mail delivery telling them if they do not unlock the basement she will have no choice but to call the police and do a theft report regarding the missing items. And sue them in small claims court for the value of the items. That may be enough to convince them to permit her access.

 

[MIRAKALES]

It can be interpreted that friend was evicted and failed to remove all possessions prior to lease termination. Regardless, tenant can request a police escort to gain access to premises to avoid potential confrontation. Access to the premises is at issue now because tenant is no longer an occupant with any rights of entry.