This form covers the subject matter described in the form's title for your State.This is a letter written by the Tenant to the Landlord explaining that the law generally provides that as Landlord he/she may regain possession of the leased premises in accordance with the terms of the lease by Tenant surrendering possession, or by appropriate court action, or based on Tenant's abandonment of the property. This letter is designed to put Landlord on notice that he/she is not permitted to use other illegal means to gain repossession of the premises.
Subject: Urgent Notice Regarding Unlawful Self-Help by Landlord — Seeking Immediate Resolution Dear [Landlord's Name], I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to address a pressing matter regarding your recent actions as my landlord, which, I believe, violate my rights as a tenant and the proper procedure for handling any issues related to the tenancy. Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude for providing me with a comfortable living space during my tenure here in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. However, it has come to my attention that you have been engaging in what I believe is unlawful self-help to regain possession of the rental property. I feel compelled to bring this matter to your attention in the hope of finding a prompt and mutually satisfactory resolution. As you may be aware, the South Dakota Tenants' Rights guide explicitly states that landlords must follow legal eviction procedures and refrain from resorting to self-help measures, which may include changing locks, removing personal belongings without a court order, or disrupting utilities. These actions disrupt the peaceful enjoyment of the premises and are strictly prohibited under the law. To provide further context, I have encountered the following concerning incidents suggesting an unlawful self-help approach used by you: 1. Change in Locks: On [Date], I discovered that the locks on the front door had been changed without any prior notice or authorization. This action not only caused great inconvenience but also infringed upon my right to privacy and security within the rental unit. 2. Unauthorized Entry: On several occasions, I have noticed that you, or persons acting on your behalf, have entered the premises without proper notice or valid reason, as stated in the lease agreement. This behavior is unsettling, as it violates my right to privacy and peaceful enjoyment of the property. 3. Utility Disruptions: Another concerning incident occurred on [Date], when I experienced an unexpected disruption of essential utilities, such as water, gas, or electricity, without any prior warning or legitimate explanation. Such actions are entirely unacceptable and go against the rights and responsibilities stipulated in our lease agreement. 4. Removal of Personal Property: On [Date], I discovered that certain personal belongings had been moved or removed from the premises without my authorization or consent. This unauthorized handling of my personal property raises serious concerns about my rights as a tenant and your adherence to legal procedures. Given the gravity of these incidents, I kindly request that you immediately cease all self-help measures and return the property to the state it was in prior to your intervention. Additionally, I expect you to take swift action to prevent any further breaches of my rights and to remedy the damages caused by your actions. In the spirit of resolving this matter without unnecessary legal involvement, I propose that we schedule a meeting or arrange a phone call within the next [reasonable timeframe, e.g., 5 business days] to address these concerns formally. During this meeting, we can discuss the necessary measures you should undertake to rectify the situation and ensure my rights as a tenant are duly protected. Please be aware that, should this issue not be appropriately addressed within a reasonable time, I may be forced to seek legal representation to protect my rights and seek appropriate remedies in accordance with South Dakota's laws and regulations. I trust that you understand the gravity of this situation and will take the necessary steps to rectify it promptly. I value our landlord-tenant relationship and sincerely hope we can resolve this matter amicably. Thank you for your immediate attention to this letter. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP] [Phone Number] [Email Address]Subject: Urgent Notice Regarding Unlawful Self-Help by Landlord — Seeking Immediate Resolution Dear [Landlord's Name], I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to address a pressing matter regarding your recent actions as my landlord, which, I believe, violate my rights as a tenant and the proper procedure for handling any issues related to the tenancy. Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude for providing me with a comfortable living space during my tenure here in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. However, it has come to my attention that you have been engaging in what I believe is unlawful self-help to regain possession of the rental property. I feel compelled to bring this matter to your attention in the hope of finding a prompt and mutually satisfactory resolution. As you may be aware, the South Dakota Tenants' Rights guide explicitly states that landlords must follow legal eviction procedures and refrain from resorting to self-help measures, which may include changing locks, removing personal belongings without a court order, or disrupting utilities. These actions disrupt the peaceful enjoyment of the premises and are strictly prohibited under the law. To provide further context, I have encountered the following concerning incidents suggesting an unlawful self-help approach used by you: 1. Change in Locks: On [Date], I discovered that the locks on the front door had been changed without any prior notice or authorization. This action not only caused great inconvenience but also infringed upon my right to privacy and security within the rental unit. 2. Unauthorized Entry: On several occasions, I have noticed that you, or persons acting on your behalf, have entered the premises without proper notice or valid reason, as stated in the lease agreement. This behavior is unsettling, as it violates my right to privacy and peaceful enjoyment of the property. 3. Utility Disruptions: Another concerning incident occurred on [Date], when I experienced an unexpected disruption of essential utilities, such as water, gas, or electricity, without any prior warning or legitimate explanation. Such actions are entirely unacceptable and go against the rights and responsibilities stipulated in our lease agreement. 4. Removal of Personal Property: On [Date], I discovered that certain personal belongings had been moved or removed from the premises without my authorization or consent. This unauthorized handling of my personal property raises serious concerns about my rights as a tenant and your adherence to legal procedures. Given the gravity of these incidents, I kindly request that you immediately cease all self-help measures and return the property to the state it was in prior to your intervention. Additionally, I expect you to take swift action to prevent any further breaches of my rights and to remedy the damages caused by your actions. In the spirit of resolving this matter without unnecessary legal involvement, I propose that we schedule a meeting or arrange a phone call within the next [reasonable timeframe, e.g., 5 business days] to address these concerns formally. During this meeting, we can discuss the necessary measures you should undertake to rectify the situation and ensure my rights as a tenant are duly protected. Please be aware that, should this issue not be appropriately addressed within a reasonable time, I may be forced to seek legal representation to protect my rights and seek appropriate remedies in accordance with South Dakota's laws and regulations. I trust that you understand the gravity of this situation and will take the necessary steps to rectify it promptly. I value our landlord-tenant relationship and sincerely hope we can resolve this matter amicably. Thank you for your immediate attention to this letter. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP] [Phone Number] [Email Address]
