Housing authority can take tenant property for unpaid rent

(a) The authority shall have a statutory lien on all personal property, not exempt from execution, belonging to, or in the lawful possession of, every tenant while the personal property is in or upon any state low-income housing project, for the amount of its proper charges against the tenant for rent of a room, dwelling unit, living quarters, or space in the state low-income housing project, or for utilities, facilities, or services in the state low-income housing project. The lien shall commence with the tenancy or occupancy of the tenant and continue for one year after the charge or charges are due and owing to the authority. (b) Whenever any tenant fails or refuses to pay the charge or charges after the same are so due and owing, the authority shall have the right and power, acting by its authorized agents or representatives, without process of law and without any liability for the taking, seizure, and retention of the personal property, to take and seize any of the personal property belonging to, or in the lawful possession of, the tenant that is found in or upon the public housing project. The authority may hold and retain the property as security for the payment of the charge or charges, until the amount of the charge or charges is paid and discharged. If the charge or charges, so due and owing, are not paid and discharged within thirty days after the taking and seizure, the authority may sell the personal property in the manner provided in section 356D-53.