ABA Family Legal Guide

Renting Residential Property

Ending the Landlord-Tenant Relationship

Lease Termination by Landlords

Is any of the tenant's property protected from seizure if the tenant owes money to the landlord?

Yes. All jurisdictions exempt some property from seizure by creditors, but they vary greatly in specifying which property is exempt. States may exempt used cars of low value, household furnishings, clothing, tools or equipment used in the tenant's business, and most of the tenant's wages. Chapter 8, "Consumer Bankruptcy," provides more detailed information on this area of the law.