Can my landlord change my locks without telling me?
No. Changing your locks without your knowledge or consent is an illegal "self-help" eviction in virtually every state. Even during a legal eviction, only a sheriff or marshal can physically lock you out — not your landlord.
Lock-outs are one of the most clear-cut violations in landlord-tenant law. Your landlord cannot change your locks, remove your doors, shut off your utilities, or do anything else designed to force you out without a court order. This is called "self-help eviction" and it's illegal everywhere.
Even if you owe back rent. Even if your lease has expired. Even if your landlord just wants you gone. The only legal way to remove a tenant is through the formal eviction process — filing in court, serving proper notice, getting a judgment, and having a sheriff execute the lockout.
If your landlord changes your locks, call the police (it may be a criminal offense), document everything, and contact a tenant rights organization. You may be entitled to significant damages — some states award penalties of several months' rent for illegal lockouts. In an emergency, you can often get a court order forcing the landlord to let you back in within 24-48 hours.
How This Works State by State
The rules vary depending on where you live. Here's how the biggest states handle it.
Under Cal. Civ. Code § 789.3, landlord lockouts are criminal in California. Tenants can recover actual damages plus $100 per day of being locked out.
Texas uniquely allows landlords to change locks for unpaid rent under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081, but must provide a new key within 24 hours.
Under N.Y. RPAPL § 768, landlord lockouts are illegal in New York. Tenants can obtain emergency court orders to regain entry.
Under Fla. Stat. § 83.67, Florida landlords who lock out tenants or shut off utilities face liability for damages and potential lease termination by the tenant.
Under Chicago RLTO § 5-12-160, tenants locked out by landlords can recover 2 months' rent in damages plus attorney's fees.
| State | Rule | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| California | California makes lockouts a criminal offense. Tenants can recover actual damages plus $100 per day of lockout. The landlord may also face penalties for each violation. | Cal. Civ. Code § 789.3 |
| Texas | Texas allows landlords to change locks for unpaid rent if the lease permits it, BUT must provide a new key within 24 hours and cannot lock out the tenant permanently. This is unique among states. | Tex. Prop. Code § 92.0081 |
| New York | New York considers lockouts illegal under the Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law. Tenants can get an emergency court order to regain entry. | N.Y. Real Prop. Acts. & Proc. Law § 768 |
| Florida | Florida prohibits landlord lockouts and utility shutoffs. Violations allow the tenant to recover damages or terminate the lease. | Fla. Stat. § 83.67 |
| Illinois | Illinois makes lockouts illegal. Chicago RLTO awards tenants 2 months' rent in damages for illegal lockouts, plus attorney's fees. | 765 ILCS 735/1; Chicago RLTO § 5-12-160 |
●Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my landlord change my locks without telling me?
No. Changing your locks without your knowledge or consent is an illegal "self-help" eviction in virtually every state. Even during a legal eviction, only a sheriff or marshal can physically lock you out — not your landlord.
Can my landlord enter my apartment without my permission?
In most states, no — landlords must give advance notice (usually 24-48 hours) before entering for non-emergency reasons. They can enter without notice only in genuine emergencies like fires, gas leaks, or flooding.
Can my landlord show my apartment to new tenants while I still live there?
Yes, but with proper notice and at reasonable times. Most states require 24-48 hours advance notice before showing the unit. Your landlord cannot show the apartment at all hours or disrupt your daily life.
Can my landlord do inspections whenever they want?
No. Routine inspections require the same advance notice as any other non-emergency entry — typically 24-48 hours. Your landlord cannot schedule inspections at unreasonable hours or inspect more frequently than reasonably necessary.
●PROTECTION
Your landlord is costing you money. We stop it.
- Junk Fee Auditor — Flags illegal charges hiding in your lease
- Rent Increase Analyzer — Checks if your hike exceeds the legal cap
- Deposit Photo Vault — Timestamped move-in/out evidence your landlord can’t dispute
- Free Demand Letter — State-specific letter generated in 2 minutes
Junk fees you can’t opt out of: ~$100/mo
Utility overcharges you can’t verify: ~$50/mo
Deposit interest your landlord pockets: ~$8/mo
Rent increase above legal cap: ~$35/mo
Total: ~$193/mo you’re probably losing.
DepositHawk Protection: $3/mo.
DepositHawk is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Information and documents are for informational purposes only. No attorney-client relationship is created. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.