If I haven’t paid rent on my business in 6 months, does the landlord have the right to change my door locks without notice?

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If I haven’t paid rent on my business in 6 months, does the landlord have the right to change my door locks without notice?

Asked on September 16, 2014 under Real Estate Law, Illinois

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 9 years ago | Contributor

In your state, no: a landlord may not engage in "self-help" evictions, such as by changing locks, cutting off utilities, etc. Rather, the only legal way to evict is through the courts: by filing a lawsuit for eviction, having the tenant served (so the tenant is aware of the trial date), and getting a judgment for possession.


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