As a tenant, you have certain rights and responsibilities. If your landlord evicts you, it’s wise to consult a lawyer or attorney to ensure that your rights haven’t been violated. In the following situations, you might be entitled to file a lawsuit against your landlord and recover money damages after being evicted.

3 Reasons to Hire a Lawyer and Sue Your Landlord After an Eviction

1. Landlord Uses Self-Help Eviction Methods

If your landlord used a self-help eviction method, you have a right to sue for damages. Self-help eviction means the landlord did not follow the state’s eviction process of giving notice and of going to court for an order to put you out. Examples of self-help include locking you out of your apartment if you haven’t paid the rent, turning off the utilities to force you to move, or removing your belongings without your permission. 

2. Landlord Evicts You Without the Sheriff

If your landlord files an eviction order and wins, you have seven days either to appeal the judge’s decision or move out. After seven days, if you haven’t done either of these two things, your landlord must obtain a warrant for possession and request the sheriff to come and remove you and your property. Your landlord does not have the right to force you to leave or remove your belongings before the sheriff arrives, so if that happens, you can sue for damages.

3. Landlord Retaliates Against You

You have the right to report your landlord for housing code violations, threats, or other illegal activity if you observe or suspect them in good faith. If your landlord tries to evict you after you make complaints to a government agency, a lawyer can protect your right to remain in your home and assert your claim for damages for wrongful or retaliatory eviction.   

Individuals who receive eviction notices or are evicted from their premises turn to lawyers at Williams, Hall & Latherow in Ashland, KY, for help. For almost 20 years, these skilled and compassionate attorneys have offered high-quality legal representation in eviction and forcible detainer proceedings. Protect your right to full compensation for your landlord’s legal errors against you. Visit the law firm’s website to learn more about their practice, or call (606) 329-1919 to schedule a consultation with one of their lawyers today.