The landlord committed an abuse of distress by using the seized furniture.
abuse of distress
idioma wrongful using of an animal or chattel distrained, by the distrainer
Because the creditor used the horse he had taken as security, the court ruled that he was guilty of an abuse of distress.
The legal claim centered on the defendant's abuse of distress, as he had actively employed the impounded machinery for his own profit while the debt remained unpaid.