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Landlord Changed Locks While I Was at Work — Texas Self-Help Eviction?

Started by locked_out_TX_tenant · Nov 23, 2025 · 10 replies
For informational purposes only. This is not legal advice.
LO
locked_out_TX_tenantOP

Looking for advice on this situation. Landlord Changed Locks While I Was at Work - Texas Self-Help Eviction? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Details: I'm in a situation where I need to understand my legal options. Has anyone dealt with something similar?

SS
StartupLawyer_SVAttorney

As a landlord, the most expensive mistake is not documenting the property condition at move-in. A detailed photo walkthrough with timestamps protects both parties and eliminates most deposit disputes.

DM
DevOps_Marcus

Tenant rights vary enormously by state and even by city. What's legal in Houston might be a crime in San Francisco. Always check your local tenant protection ordinance, not just state law.

C2
ChicagoRenter_2025

Tenant rights vary enormously by state and even by city. What's legal in Houston might be a crime in San Francisco. Always check your local tenant protection ordinance, not just state law.

JL
JKirby_LawAttorney

Tenant rights vary enormously by state and even by city. What's legal in Houston might be a crime in San Francisco. Always check your local tenant protection ordinance, not just state law.

C2
ChicagoRenter_2025

Tenant rights vary enormously by state and even by city. What's legal in Houston might be a crime in San Francisco. Always check your local tenant protection ordinance, not just state law.

PD
PaymentsPro_Dave

As a landlord, the most expensive mistake is not documenting the property condition at move-in. A detailed photo walkthrough with timestamps protects both parties and eliminates most deposit disputes.

JL
JKirby_LawAttorney

Tenant rights vary enormously by state and even by city. What's legal in Houston might be a crime in San Francisco. Always check your local tenant protection ordinance, not just state law.

PD
PaymentsPro_Dave

Tenant rights vary enormously by state and even by city. What's legal in Houston might be a crime in San Francisco. Always check your local tenant protection ordinance, not just state law.

SS
scammed_shopper_LA

The cost of a real estate attorney for a transaction review is tiny compared to the potential downside. For anything over $100K, budget $1-2K for legal review. It's the best insurance you'll buy.

LO
locked_out_TX_tenantOP

Update: Thanks everyone for the guidance. I consulted with an attorney and we're moving forward. The advice here helped me understand what questions to ask and what to expect. Will update when there's a resolution.

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