In which scenario is a court order required for repossession?

In landlord/tenant situations, a court order is typically required for repossession of rental property. This requirement arises from the legal protections afforded to tenants under residential landlord-tenant laws. When a tenant defaults on rent or violates lease terms, landlords must generally follow the legal process for eviction, which includes obtaining a judgment from the court. This process ensures that the tenant's rights are respected and that the eviction is lawful.

In contrast, auto repossession generally does not require a court order if the repossession is conducted peacefully and according to state law, as secured parties often have the right to reclaim their vehicles under certain conditions. Similarly, commercial tenancies may differ in their handling of defaults, often allowing landlords to reclaim premises under agreed terms without immediate resort to court procedures. Lastly, a breach of peace scenario indicates circumstances where a repossession attempt could escalate into conflict, potentially requiring judicial intervention, but that is not the standard process for typical repossessions.

Thus, the requirement for a court order in landlord/tenant scenarios is critical for ensuring due process and tenant protections.