If my roommate is leaving without paying rent, can we keep her belongings as collateral until we are paid?

If my roommate is leaving without paying rent, can we keep her belongings as collateral until we are paid?

I live in a 3 bedroom townhouse with 2 other roommates; 1 of my roommates told us she signed the lease with the rental office but it turns out she didn’t. She is now stating she will be moving out in a month, which is 2 months before our lease is up. She will not be paying. Since her belongings and mail are sent to our address, is it legal for me to change the locks and not return her belongings until the rent is paid?

Asked on March 1, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Virginia

Answers:

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.