NYC Housing Court Glossary
Illegal Lockout
Plain EnglishYour landlord can't evict you without going to court first
Legal Definition
It is a crime for your landlord to change your locks, remove your belongings, or shut off your utilities to force you out — without going to court first.
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Practical Tip
If your landlord locked you out, call 911 immediately. Then go to Housing Court and file an emergency illegal lockout petition. You can be restored to your apartment the same day.
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