What do I need to know about illegal evictions?

A landlord who tries to illegally evict a tenant may be guilty of a criminal misdemeanor. It is illegal for your landlord to try to evict you by changing the locks, turning off your utilities, or removing your things from the apartment. If your landlord wants to evict you, they have to take you to court. If the court orders you to move, a law enforcement officer will serve you with a Warrant of Eviction. When the law enforcement officer serves you with the Warrant of Eviction, they will give you at least 14 days to move.

What are some examples of illegal evictions?

  • Locking or removing a tenant's door

  • Shutting off the utilities

  • Threatening to forcefully remove a tenant

  • Taking the tenant's property out of the apartment

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Last Reviewed: August 25, 2023