The reason why you should not lock out non-paying tenants is that section 16(hA) of the Rental Housing Act specially makes it a criminal offence to unlawfully lock out tenants, and the punishment for doing so could be a fine, imprisonment or both a fine and imprisonment.

Another reason why it is not recommended to lock out non-paying tenants is that the tenants could approach the Rental Housing Tribunal or any court for an order that you must give them access and possession of the property and hold you liable for their legal costs.

In light of the above, we recommend that you do not lock out non-paying tenants unless you have a court order permitting it.

The above should not be accepted as legal advice, and you are advised to seek legal advice.

The post Can I lock out non-paying tenants? first appeared on EasyEvictions.

In terms of section 16(hA) of the Rental Housing Act, it is a criminal offence to unlawfully disconnect the water and lights of a tenant and you could be sentenced to a fine, imprisonment or both a fine and imprisonment.

In addition to the above, the tenant will be able to approach the Rental Housing Tribunal or a court for an order that the water and lights be reconnected and you will be held liable for the tenant’s legal costs in obtaining such an order.

Accordingly, it is recommended that disconnections of utilities take place within the confines of a duly obtained court order.

The above should not be accepted as legal advice, and you are advised to seek legal advice.

The post Can I disconnect the water and lights of a tenant when they are behind with rent? first appeared on EasyEvictions.