In some states, the legal right of a landlord to seize the tenant's belongings for rents in arrears is called?

The legal right of a landlord to seize a tenant's belongings for unpaid rent is known as distraint. This practice allows landlords to recover losses when tenants fail to make their rent payments by taking possession of a tenant's personal property until the rent owed is paid. Distraint operates as a form of self-help remedy where the landlord can take direct action rather than having to go through the court system to recover the owed amounts.

This concept is significant in real estate law as it illustrates the balance between a landlord's rights to protect their investment and a tenant's rights to their property, highlighting the legal frameworks governing lease agreements. Understanding this right is essential for both landlords and tenants to navigate rental agreements and potential conflicts over unpaid rent.