Did I lockout the tenant legally?

[Carl.Gordon]

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

I live in Elk Grove, California.

I recently evicted a person, a 24 year old tenant, that was renting a room from me. I did that because I have given him a 30-day notice on September 25th, 2009; I evicted him on October 25th, 2009; the way I did that was through the following:

While the tentant was at work, I packed up all of his belongings and had a mover take all his belongings such as his clothes, his storage boxes, and etc and sat it right in front of his parents house while his parents wasn't home; I didn't even ask the persmission of his parents.

He wrote me a letter stating that he was going to sue for me for an illegal lockout when he talks with his attorney ASAP.

I don't think I did anything wrong. His thirty days was up; however, he refused to leave because he stated that he wanted me to take him to a unlawful detainer court. I didn't agree with him; however, if it is possible I did something wrong please let me know. If I did something wrong, what are possible things the tenant can sue me for.

 

[Banned_Princess]

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

I live in Elk Grove, California.

I recently evicted a person, a 24 year old tenant, that was renting a room from me. I did that because I have given him a 30-day notice on September 25th, 2009; I evicted him on October 25th, 2009; the way I did that was through the following:

While the tentant was at work, I packed up all of his belongings and had a mover take all his belongings such as his clothes, his storage boxes, and etc and sat it right in front of his parents house while his parents wasn't home; I didn't even ask the persmission of his parents.

He wrote me a letter stating that he was going to sue for me for an illegal lockout when he talks with his attorney ASAP.

I don't think I did anything wrong. His thirty days was up; however, he refused to leave because he stated that he wanted me to take him to a unlawful detainer court. I didn't agree with him; however, if it is possible I did something wrong please let me know. If I did something wrong, what are possible things the tenant can sue me for.

Ohhhh you ILLEGALLY evicted him, and I hope he sues you and gets your house. Which he has a right to do.

 

[Zigner]

Ohhhh you ILLEGALLY evicted him, and I hope he sues you and gets your house. Which he has a right to do.

He ain't gonna get the house

 

[eridon2002]

You messed up big time. Completely illegal. Hire an attorney now. Also if you are going to be a landlord it is time to learn the laws-too much $$$ is at stake!

 

[Banned_Princess]

He ain't gonna get the house

lol, wishful thinking.

 

[Just Blue]

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

I live in Elk Grove, California.

I recently evicted a person, a 24 year old tenant, that was renting a room from me. I did that because I have given him a 30-day notice on September 25th, 2009; I evicted him on October 25th, 2009; the way I did that was through the following:

While the tentant was at work, I packed up all of his belongings and had a mover take all his belongings such as his clothes, his storage boxes, and etc and sat it right in front of his parents house while his parents wasn't home; I didn't even ask the persmission of his parents.

He wrote me a letter stating that he was going to sue for me for an illegal lockout when he talks with his attorney ASAP.

I don't think I did anything wrong. His thirty days was up; however, he refused to leave because he stated that he wanted me to take him to a unlawful detainer court. I didn't agree with him; however, if it is possible I did something wrong please let me know. If I did something wrong, what are possible things the tenant can sue me for.

You need to consult with a Real-Estate attorney ASAP. Perhaps if you offer the tenant $$ s/he might drop their case. Please study LL/tenant law before continuing to rent.

 

[Gail in Georgia]

Good heavens.

If you're even going to pretend to be a landlord, you need to put on your big boy pants and at least be familiar with the landlord tenant laws. ESPECIALLY in a state like California which is extremely tenant friendly.

Gail

 

[CourtClerk]

You need to consult with a Real-Estate attorney ASAP. Perhaps if you offer the tenant $$ s/he might drop their case.

Not a real estate attorney, it would be a civil attorney - and yes, the OP would do right by offering him some cash to go away, especially since the civil penalty, should he even choose to go to small claims court is rather steep.

 

[ecmst12]

You WERE wrong and you WILL have to pay through the nose for it. As a landlord, you have the responsibility to learn the laws and follow them. In CA, you are about to be taken to the cleaners - and you will deserve it. You give landlords a bad name.

You are NEVER allowed to change locks or remove belongings without first going to court and getting a court order allowing it. Period. Self-help eviction is illegal and the 8th deadly sin for landlords. The judge will have you for lunch. This will be an expensive lesson for you.