1 Answer

In the US, the landlord ,first and foremost, must have exhausted all other means to try to get the money I assume is owed for non-payment of rent, and/or damages to the property. A legal proceeding would have to be held against the tenants, and the landlord would have to prove his/her case; the tenants have a right to defend themselves. They might even be given the opportunity to "right the wrong" within "x" amount of time . Putting a lien on a tax return might be the final step for compensation (there might be bank accounts, garnishment, etc., available), should the landlord prevail, and all other means in trying to get compensation have failed. It must be done by court order, signed by a judge. Remember, that just because you're right, doesn't mean that you are going to win. There are judges who are morons, there are judges who don't follow the law, don't read the submissions, don't listen, and are biased as well.I speak from first-hand knowledge, having taken-on the feds, the state and the city.