Lease dictionary
Self-help eviction
When a landlord tries to force a tenant out without a court order, such as by changing locks or cutting utilities.
Self-help includes lockouts, shutting off water or power, removing doors or windows, and taking a tenant's belongings. All states require landlords to use the court process instead.
Tenants who face self-help can often recover damages, regain access, or end the lease. Documenting what happened and contacting local housing authorities or legal aid helps.
Watch out
A landlord may call a lockout a 'lease termination'. Without a court judgment carried out by an officer, it's still unlawful in nearly every state.
See it in action
The Tenant rights by state puts this term to work for you.