Walk It Through: The New Lock

Locked out without a court order, belongings inside, 3 times the daily rent, and how a lawful removal works.

After an argument over late rent, a tenant in Milford comes home to a new lock on the door.

Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.

A lockout by a landlord in a residential rental. Utility shut offs, removal of property after a lawful writ, and a roommate locking another out are not worked through here.

A practice walkthrough, not a prediction of how any real one will go. Legal information, not legal advice.

Words this turns on

Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.

Unlawful ousterRemoving or excluding a tenant without a valid court order. The tenant recovers 3 times the damages or 3 times the daily rent.
Writ of possessionThe court's order to a constable or sheriff to remove the occupants, carried out between sunrise and sunset after at least 24 hours' notice.
Right of redemptionA tenant's right to pay all past due amounts and costs at any time before an eviction for unpaid rent is carried out, vacating the judgment.
Summary possessionThe court action a landlord brings to take back a rental, after a written demand giving at least 7 days to pay.