Eviction & moving out
Can my landlord evict me without going to court?
No. Only a court order carried out by a sheriff or marshal can remove you. Lockouts, utility shutoffs, and removing your belongings are illegal 'self-help' evictions in every state.
The eviction process - notice, court filing, hearing, judgment, official removal - exists precisely so landlords can't take matters into their own hands. Skipping it isn't a shortcut; it's illegal, and in many states it entitles you to damages.
If you're locked out without a court order: police non-emergency line, photos of everything, and a tenant-rights organization the same day. In most states you can be restored to the unit and compensated.
Do something about it
The Tenant rights by state turns this answer into action.
General educational information, not legal advice. Laws vary by state and city and change over time - for a specific situation, contact a local tenant-rights organization.