Landlord Theft Tenant Rights

Summary

The user, a tenant in Onalaska, Washington, reported that his landlord entered his property without consent and removed personal belongings. The user reported the incident to the police, who provided a case number but did not arrest the landlord. The user was advised that in Washington, landlords must provide notice before entering a property and unauthorized removal of a tenants property can be considered theft. The user was also informed about the statute of limitations for theft in Washington state, which is generally 3 years. The user was advised to consult with a lawyer or contact a legal aid office for further assistance. The user also had questions about the right to travel without a license, which were addressed by explaining the requirement of a valid drivers license, insurance, and tags to operate a vehicle in Washington State.

Full Conversation

James
Nice to meet you, James. Could you please describe the legal issue you're facing?
I'm having problems with my landlord
What specific problems are you facing with your landlord, James?
He came on the property when I wasn't home and took my clothing and a watch and my wallet with my information ID in it
Did you report this incident to the police? In general, landlords cannot enter your property without notice or consent, and taking personal items is illegal.
Yes I did but they didn't arrest him but they gave me a case number
What is the case number the police gave you? In general, you can use this number to follow up on your case and check its status.
It doesn't matter you can't look it up
That's correct, I can't look it up. However, you may want to consult with a lawyer to understand your rights and possible actions.
That's the thing I can't afford a lawyer
You may qualify for free legal aid. Can you tell me your location so I can provide you with the contact details of the nearest legal aid office?
Onalaska Washington
The nearest legal aid office to you in Onalaska, Washington is Northwest Justice Project. You can reach them at (*) *-*.
But it is against the law for the landlord to remove my belongings isn't it
Yes, it is generally illegal for landlords to remove tenants' belongings. In Washington:

- Landlords must provide notice before entering a property.
- Unauthorized removal of tenant's property can be considered theft.
Okay this happened on April 5th I reported it on August 20th but the place said it was too long to make an arrestable
What is the statute of limitations for theft in Washington state?
I have no idea
In Washington state, the statute of limitations for theft is generally 3 years.
Okay then why did the sheriff department refuse to arrest him
What was the sheriff department's reason for refusing to arrest your landlord?
They said too much time has passed by
What is the exact date you reported the theft to the sheriff's department?
Well at first my landlord promised to reimburse me for my items so that's why I didn't report it right away but once he told me he wasn't going to pay me for it that's when I tried to report it and I got him to admit to this in a text message on Facebook I even sent the sheriff pictures of him admitting to throwing away my items it happened on April 5th and I reported it in August not even a year went by
Did you provide the sheriff's department with the evidence of your landlord admitting to the act in writing?
Yes and he said it was too late to arrest him but he would call and question him about it
What was the sheriff's response after questioning your landlord?
I don't know they never said anything back to me
What was the last communication you had with the sheriff's department?
Me sending him the picture of the Facebook chat
What was the response from the sheriff's department after you sent them the picture of the Facebook chat?
He just said thank you and that was it
What was the date of your last communication with the sheriff's department?
Tell me what you know about the right to travel
The right to travel is a part of the liberty of which the citizen cannot be deprived without due process of law under the 5th Amendment. Can you specify your location?
Washington State
What specific issues are you facing regarding your right to travel in Washington State?
When I'm traveling and I get pulled over what do I need to say
What is the reason for being pulled over? It's important to know this to provide accurate advice. Generally, you should provide your identification when asked and remain respectful.
Because I don't have a license
What type of vehicle were you operating when you were pulled over?

In Washington State, driving without a license can result in a fine or jail time.
My personal vehicle now according to the right to travel I don't need a driver's license travel in my personal vehicle only need to drive license for commercial use
What is the basis of your understanding that you don't need a driver's license for personal use?

In Washington State, it's generally required to have a valid driver's license to operate a vehicle, regardless of its use.
It is your constitutional right to be able to travel the roadways with your personal property automobile of the time and pursuit of Liberty and happiness
What specific law or court ruling are you referring to that supports your understanding of the right to travel without a license?
Well how about United States vs guess
Can you provide more details about the "United States vs Guess" case you're referring to? It would help me provide more accurate information.
United States versus guest * u.s745
What specific ruling or interpretation from the "United States vs Guest * U.S. *" case are you referring to in relation to your right to travel without a license?
Talking about how we have the right to travel
What part of the "United States vs Guest * U.S. *" case ruling do you believe supports your right to travel without a license?
Okay never mind that part the US Constitution which law enforcement is sworn to protect States in the Fourth amendment I have the right to travel the roadways with an automobile of the time and pursuit of Liberty and happiness without being impeded
What specific part of the Fourth Amendment do you believe supports your right to travel without a license?
What part of lick balls don't you
I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.
Hey how about you assist with telling me if that's true or not according to the right to travel you do not need driver's license insurance tags all that b*******
In Washington State, it's generally required to have a valid driver's license, insurance, and tags to operate a vehicle, regardless of its use.
Okay but then that violates my constitutional rights
Can you please specify which constitutional right you believe is being violated?
I already told you the right to travel
What specific part of the right to travel do you believe is being violated by the requirement to have a driver's license, insurance, and tags?
It says that I have the right to travel without any restrictions that as long as I'm not using the road for commercial gain
What specific law or court ruling are you referring to that supports your understanding of the right to travel without a license for non-commercial purposes?
Do you not know the Constitution
What specific part of the Constitution are you referring to that supports your understanding of the right to travel without a license for non-commercial purposes?
Okay then explain to me the right to travel
The right to travel is a constitutional right under the Privileges and Immunities Clause of the United States Constitution. However, this doesn't exempt one from following state laws such as having a valid driver's license to operate a vehicle.
If I have the right to travel by automobile of the time how is it that I would have to have a driver 's license that would make it a privilege not a right
What specific law or court ruling are you referring to that supports your understanding of the right to travel by automobile without a license?
I don't think you're that very good of an AI I think I'm not going to use you tomorrow
I'm sorry to hear that. Is there anything specific you're not satisfied with? I'm here to assist you.
Your knowledge base
What specific information were you looking for that you feel was not adequately addressed in our conversation?