Walk It Through: The Lockout
New locks while the tenant is at work, belongings inside, and the water shut off.
A tenant who is behind on rent comes home from work to find the locks changed.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
A lockout of a tenant who is behind on rent. Belongings the landlord removed, a roommate the landlord let stay, and a criminal charge against the landlord 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.
- Forcible entry and detainerThe court action for an eviction, brought for a holdover after the lease ends, a breach of the lease, or nonpayment of rent.
- HoldoverA tenant staying on without the landlord's consent after the tenancy ends.
- Notice to quitThe three days' written notice a landlord gives before filing an eviction, unless the three day notice to pay rent already ended the tenancy.