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can a contractor i hired to painting, carpentry, etc., withhold my house keys when we disagree how much he is still owe

Alabama

contractor and i disagreed on the amount he was still due after he said he completed all work. he did not complete all of things he was supposed to and i refused to pay him the full amount. i offered him an amount several hundred dollars less but he would not accept that amount and said he would take me to court. i said ok see you in court and ask for my key back. he said because i still owed him money he would not return my key. i told him i would have the locks changed and he was not come on to my property again. will the court award me the amount i paid to have the locks changed?

1 reply

Jun 3, 2022
Hi,

No the contractor’s actions are completely inexcusable and those actions would not hold up in a court of law. If the contractor has an issue with you than they would have to put a lien on the property, but stealing keys is not an appropriate option.

The courts should deem that you changing the locks was an appropriate and fair reaction. And if we brought the contractor to court then more than likely you would be reimbursed.

Let me know if you have any other questions.
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