Law-Forums.org

[oz]

The guy hasn't paid rent in 6 mos. Got the judgement but there was an error in the order of eviction so the judge threw it out and we have to start all over again.

Is it ony a civil matter if we change the locks or is it a criminal matter? I looked up the code and it looks like its just a civil matter where the tenant would have to sue and if he cant make his rent he won't be able to pay an attorney.

Is anyone familiar with detroit landlord tenant laws?

[gedalyahu]

You need a writ of possession first, and the sheriff has to serve it. You can't just lock him out, that is criminal. the police would literally break in for your tenant if tehy could not get in any other way.

You can not take the law, even civil law, into your own hands. Just go get the order.

[unss94]

It is illegal to lock a tenant out without a court ordered eviction in all 50 states (and DC). If you do this, you will lose this next eviction and probably be ordered to pay damages to the tenant.

[camdin90]

You cannot lock the tenant out. Tenant can sue in Small Claims Court, where no attorneys are used.

You should not have waited so long to evict.