Legal Question in Mediation in Alabama

Small Claims

I was living with this couple. After a couple of weeks, about $400.00 worth of dvds and $200.00 in cash suddenly disappeared. About 2 weeks later, the dvd player disappeared. His wife informed me that he had pawned it. He denied it. After informing them that I was taking them to small claims court, their attorney informed them that anything I had left in the house to hold it until I paid for a dishonored water and electric bill check. What do or can I do?


Asked on 3/11/06, 12:41 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Austin Nimocks Austin R. Nimocks & Associates, P.L.L.C.

Re: Small Claims

If you had an obligation to pay utility bills (as part of your rent or otherwise), and you did not, they (as the landlord) have a right to hold your property as a lien until you make good on your obligations. They cannot hold all of your property, but only so much as is necessary to cover the outstanding bills. Also, they cannot sell or convert your property as they are only entitled to hold it as a lien. They can evetually take steps to sell/convert it if you eventually don't make good on the bills.

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Answered on 3/12/06, 2:49 pm


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