Lodger locked out and possessions retained by aggressive landlady

[renegadeimp]

She cannot keep your possessions. You can get the police involved as it is basically theft, even though its a civil issue. Did you ever have a tenancy contract or similar?

 

As CB said. If you were still paying for the room, then she CANNOT allow anyone else to use the room at all.

 

Give her 7 days to resolve this issue, and give you your belongings back, UNDAMAGED, or you will issue a court claim for distress, compensation etc etc. It really looks like she is one of those rogue landlords who think they can skirt the law.

[renegadeimp]

Are you homeless now, or are you staying with friends relatives? I think its time to put a letter to her as stu said, but couple this with an LBA. She would be very stupid to keep your belongings or dispose of them if she gets court papers. Since there was no tenancy agreement but she took money from you, she could be done for that in its own right. She may try to say you never stayed there, so if you have any letters/bills with the address on, or people who can be used as witnesses, make sure you have that in order.

[renegadeimp]

Im unsure of legislation which is why i said "could". Meaning you should really check up on it, and do as others advise regarding HMRC etc.

[renegadeimp]

Even if it was a verbal agreement, sine it meant you would reside there, she should have issued some form of proof.

 

I still thing you need to give her 14 days, and then get he legal ball rolling.