Legal Definitions - distraint

Definition: Distraint is the seizure of someone's property to make them pay a debt or fulfill a duty, like paying overdue rent. It is a legal remedy that allows the seizure of personal property to put pressure on the owner to satisfy a lawful demand.

Examples: If a tenant fails to pay rent, the landlord may use distraint to seize the tenant's personal property, like furniture or electronics, until the rent is paid. Another example is when a creditor seizes a debtor's property to satisfy a debt.

Explanation: Distraint is a legal process that allows a person or entity to seize someone's property to secure payment or performance of a duty. The examples illustrate how distraint is used in practice, such as when a landlord uses it to collect overdue rent or when a creditor uses it to satisfy a debt. The property seized is held as security until the debt is paid or the duty is performed.