Question

If I default on a rental lease and leave the United States, will I be extradited? My landlord has threatened to file charges to have me arrested.

Community Answer

This is a civil problem, not a criminal one, having to do with unsecured debt. You will not be extradited in such a case. However, if the landlord sues and a court date is set, and a "no show" to court results in a bench warrant, then anytime one might return to the USA the warrant will appear to the customs or border officer and you would be arrested to stand before the judge on the bench warrant (not on the terms of the civil case). Winning the civil case is a lot easier for the landlord than actually collecting the funds from you. Best to just settle on a price out of court, or consult a free attorney on tenants' rights and see whether you're even liable to pay it.