Landlord and Tenant Rights and Responsibilities

questions & answers

Question: I have paid my rent for the month and told roommate that I am moving out on the 4th. On the 10th she changed the locks. Can she legally lock me out for the rest of the month?

Answer: I always recommend consulting the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act found here: https://housing.az.gov/sites/default/files/documents/files/AZ%20Residential%20Landlord%20and%20Tenant%20Act%20-%20Revised%20July%203%202015.pdf The answer depends on a few factors. Do you have a lease? Is it with your roommate or with a third-party landlord? Are you on the lease? In general, you cannot be locked out unless and until you breach your lease agreement, are given notice of the breach, and have an opportunity to cure any alleged breach or unless there is a court order (order of protection, injunction against harassment, or eviction order). If under the circumstances the roommate had no right to lock you out. You may be able to demand/sue for the rent you paid from the roommate. Please note that I am providing general information based on the very limited information available to me. I am unable to provide you with legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created hereby. I wish you the best in this and all your endeavors.