Lockouts & Self-Help
bans on self-help eviction
Rules in this category (137)
Ala. Code §§ 35-9A-101 to 35-9A-603
Recovery of Possession Limited. • Alabama
Ala. Code §§ 35-9B-1 to 35-9B-9
Request for the Removal of an Unauthorized Individual from a Dwelling; Affidavit and Notice. • Alabama
Ala. Code §§ 35-9B-1 to 35-9B-9
Civil Action for Wrongful Removal. • Alabama
AS 09.45
Prohibition of use of force for entry on realty • Alaska
AS 34.03
Tenant's remedies for landlord's unlawful ouster, exclusion, or diminution of service • Alaska
AS 34.03
Recovery of possession limited • Alaska
A.R.S. § 12-1171 et seq.
Definition of forcible entry • Arizona
A.R.S. § 33-1301 et seq.
Tenant's remedies for landlord's unlawful ouster, exclusion or diminution of services • Arizona
A.R.S. § 33-1301 et seq.
Recovery of possession limited • Arizona
A.R.S. § 33-1401 et seq.
Tenant's remedies for landlord's unlawful ouster, exclusion or diminution of services • Arizona
A.R.S. § 33-1401 et seq.
Recovery of possession limited • Arizona
A.R.S. § 33-2101 et seq.
Tenant's remedies for landlord's unlawful ouster, exclusion or diminution of services • Arizona
Benton Harbor, MI Code of Ordinances Ch. 20 Art. V Landlord-Tenant Code §§ 20-88 – 20-164
Tenant’s remedies for landlord’s unlawful ouster or exclusion • Benton Harbor
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-40-101 et seq.
Forcible entry prohibited. • Colorado
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-40-101 et seq.
Forcible detention prohibited. • Colorado
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-101 et seq.
Violations - remedies. • Colorado
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-101 et seq.
Unlawful removal or exclusion. • Colorado
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a
(Formerly Sec. 52-549). Eviction of tenant and occupants from residential property. Removal and sale of unclaimed possessions and personal effects. • Connecticut
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a
(Formerly Sec. 52-462). Complaint and procedure: Forcible entry and detainer; entry and detainer. • Connecticut
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a
Finding. Judgment. Costs. Title to land not affected. • Connecticut
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a
(Formerly Sec. 52-465). When double damages allowable. • Connecticut
25 Del. C. ch. 53
Unlawful ouster or exclusion of tenant • Delaware
D.C. Code § 42-3201 et seq.
Disposal of tenant's personal property upon ejectment. • District of Columbia
D.C. Code § 42-3201 et seq.
Distress not unlawful and party making it not trespasser ab initio because of irregularity; special damages recoverable; costs; tender of amends defeats recovery. • District of Columbia
Evanston, Ill., City Code § 5
LOCKOUTS PROHIBITED • Evanston
Evanston, Ill., City Code § 5
EXCLUSIONS • Evanston
Fla. Stat. § 82.01 et seq.
Remedies. • Florida
Fla. Stat. § 82.01 et seq.
Limited alternative remedy to remove unauthorized persons from residential real property. • Florida
Fla. Stat. § 83.40 et seq.
Prohibited practices. • Florida
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521
Recovery of possession limited. • Hawaii
Idaho Code Title 6 ch. 3 — Forcible Entry and Unlawful Detainer
FORCIBLE ENTRY DEFINED. • Idaho
Idaho Code Title 6 ch. 3 — Forcible Entry and Unlawful Detainer
FORCIBLE DETAINER DEFINED. • Idaho
Ind. Code § 32-31 et seq.
Tenant's personal property • Indiana
Ind. Code § 32-31 et seq.
Landlord prohibited from interfering with access, possession, or essential services; unit entry by landlord • Indiana
Iowa Code ch. 562A
Tenant’s remedies for landlord’s unlawful ouster, exclusion, or diminution of service • Iowa
Iowa Code ch. 562A
Recovery of possession limited • Iowa
Iowa Code ch. 562B
Tenant’s remedies for landlord’s unlawful ouster, exclusion or diminution of services • Iowa
Kan. Stat. Ann. §§ 58-2501 et seq.
Unlawful removal or exclusion of tenant; diminished services; damages; security deposit. • Kansas
Kan. Stat. Ann. §§ 58-2501 et seq.
Unlawful removal or exclusion of tenant; diminished services; damages; security deposit. • Kansas
Kan. Stat. Ann. §§ 58-2501 et seq.
Landlord's recovery or possession of dwelling; limitations. • Kansas
Kan. Stat. Ann. §§ 58-5401 et seq.
2026 session law — the Revisor of Statutes has not yet published this section. Source: Session Laws of Kansas 2026, ch. 56 (Secretary of State). K.S.A. number per the Revisor's 2026 composite list of Aug. 13, 2026. Effective 7/1/2026. Bill heading as found: "House Bill No. 2378*" (asterisk meaning not determined). • Kansas
H.B. 2378, 2026 Kan. Sess. Laws ch. 56
2026 session law — the Revisor of Statutes has not yet published this section. Source: Session Laws of Kansas 2026, ch. 56 (Secretary of State). K.S.A. number per the Revisor's 2026 composite list of Aug. 13, 2026. Effective 7/1/2026. Bill heading as found: "House Bill No. 2378*" (asterisk meaning not determined). • Kansas
Kan. Stat. Ann. §§ 58-5401 et seq.
2026 session law — the Revisor of Statutes has not yet published this section. Source: Session Laws of Kansas 2026, ch. 56 (Secretary of State). K.S.A. number per the Revisor's 2026 composite list of Aug. 13, 2026. Effective 7/1/2026. Bill heading as found: "House Bill No. 2378*" (asterisk meaning not determined). • Kansas
H.B. 2378, 2026 Kan. Sess. Laws ch. 56
2026 session law — the Revisor of Statutes has not yet published this section. Source: Session Laws of Kansas 2026, ch. 56 (Secretary of State). K.S.A. number per the Revisor's 2026 composite list of Aug. 13, 2026. Effective 7/1/2026. Bill heading as found: "House Bill No. 2378*" (asterisk meaning not determined). • Kansas
H.B. 2378, 2026 Kan. Sess. Laws ch. 56
2026 session law — the Revisor of Statutes has not yet published this section. Source: Session Laws of Kansas 2026, ch. 56 (Secretary of State). K.S.A. number per the Revisor's 2026 composite list of Aug. 13, 2026. Effective 7/1/2026. Bill heading as found: "House Bill No. 2378*" (asterisk meaning not determined). • Kansas
Kan. Stat. Ann. §§ 58-5401 et seq.
2026 session law — the Revisor of Statutes has not yet published this section. Source: Session Laws of Kansas 2026, ch. 56 (Secretary of State). K.S.A. number per the Revisor's 2026 composite list of Aug. 13, 2026. Effective 7/1/2026. Bill heading as found: "House Bill No. 2378*" (asterisk meaning not determined). • Kansas
Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383 et seq.
Removal of person unlawfully occupying real property by law enforcement • Kentucky
14 M.R.S. §§ 6000 et seq.
Remedies for illegal evictions • Maine
Md. Code Ann., Real Prop. §§ 8-101 to 8-1006
Maryland
Md. Code Ann., Real Prop. §§ 8-101 to 8-1006
Maryland
Md. Code Ann., Real Prop. §§ 8A-101 to 8A-1903
Maryland
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 184
Entry into land; legal proceedings required to recover possession of land or tenements; jurisdiction • Massachusetts
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186
Jurisdiction of courts to restrain violation of Secs. 23 to 26; applicability of other laws to requests to change locks • Massachusetts
MCL § 600.5701 et seq.
Damages for forcible entry and detainer; damages for unlawful interference with possessory interest; exceptions; opening of probate estate; forcible entry or possession by occupant; action for possession; claim for injunctive relief; joinder; waiver; commencement of action; limitations; "owner" defined. • Michigan
MCL § 600.5701 et seq.
Entry. • Michigan
Minn. Stat. § 504B
INTENTIONAL OUSTER AND INTERRUPTION OF UTILITIES; MISDEMEANOR. • Minnesota
Minn. Stat. § 504B
DAMAGES FOR OUSTER. • Minnesota
Minn. Stat. § 504B
FORCIBLE ENTRY AND UNLAWFUL DETAINER PROHIBITED. • Minnesota
Minn. Stat. § 504B
UNLAWFUL EXCLUSION OR REMOVAL; ACTION FOR RECOVERY OF POSSESSION. • Minnesota
Mo. Rev. Stat. § 441 et seq.
Landlord's unlawful removal or exclusion of tenant, liability — interruption of services, landlord's liability • Missouri
Mo. Rev. Stat. § 534 et seq.
What entries deemed lawful • Missouri
Mo. Rev. Stat. § 534 et seq.
Forcible entry and detainer defined • Missouri
Mo. Rev. Stat. § 534 et seq.
Persons having settlement on public lands may maintain action, when • Missouri
Mont. Code Ann. § 70-24-101 et seq.
Removal Of Unauthorized Person Or Trespasser -- Indemnification For Providing False Information To Law Enforcement • Montana
Mont. Code Ann. § 70-24-101 et seq.
Landlord's Recovery Of Possession Limited • Montana
Mont. Code Ann. § 70-27-101 et seq.
Forcible Entry Defined • Montana
Mont. Code Ann. § 70-27-101 et seq.
Forcible Detainer Defined • Montana
Mont. Code Ann. § 70-33-101 et seq.
Unlawful Ouster, Exclusion, Or Diminution Of Services -- Tenant's Remedies • Montana
Mont. Code Ann. § 70-33-101 et seq.
Landlord's Recovery Of Possession Limited • Montana
Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1450 et seq.
Landlord; removal or exclusion of tenant; failure to supply services; tenant; remedies. • Nebraska
Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1401 et seq.
Tenant's remedies for landlord's unlawful ouster, exclusion, or diminution of service. • Nebraska
Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1401 et seq.
Recovery of possession limited. • Nebraska
Nev. Rev. Stat. ch. 118A
“Exclude” defined. • Nevada
Nev. Rev. Stat. ch. 118A
Unlawful removal or exclusion of tenant or willful interruption of essential items or services; procedure for expedited relief. • Nevada
Nev. Rev. Stat. ch. 118A
Landlord’s recovery of possession of dwelling unit. • Nevada
Nev. Rev. Stat. §§ 40.215–40.425
Entry to be made only when legal and in peaceable manner. • Nevada
Nev. Rev. Stat. §§ 40.215–40.425
Forcible entry defined; recovery of possession following forcible entry; treble damages. • Nevada
Nev. Rev. Stat. §§ 40.215–40.425
Housebreaking and unlawful occupancy: When owner may retake possession and change locks; notice required. • Nevada
Nev. Rev. Stat. §§ 40.215–40.425
Forcible entry or forcible detainer: When owner or occupant may recover possession; notice required; response by unlawful or unauthorized occupant; complaint for eviction; actions by court; disposal of abandoned personal property. • Nevada
Nev. Rev. Stat. §§ 40.215–40.425
Recovery of possession by occupant who has been locked out of dwelling: Filing of verified complaint for reentry; trial; issuance of writ of restitution if lockout was unjustified; appeal; failure to comply constitutes contempt. • Nevada
N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 540-A
Certain Specific Acts Prohibited. • New Hampshire
N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 540-B
Remedies. • New Hampshire
N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 540-B
Possession. • New Hampshire
N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 540-C
Civil Penalty. • New Hampshire
N.J.S.A. 2A:18-51 et seq.
Noncompliance with act; tenant's recovery • New Jersey
N.J.S.A. 2A:33-1 et seq.
Wrongful distress and sale for rent; remedy • New Jersey
N.J.S.A. 2A:33-1 et seq.
Place of impounding chattels • New Jersey
NMSA 47-8 — Uniform Owner-Resident Relations Act
Unlawful removal and diminution of services prohibited. • New Mexico
N.Y. Real Prop. Acts & Proc. Law
Unlawful eviction • New York
N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 27-2001 et seq.
Certification of no harassment with respect to single room occupancy multiple dwellings • New York City
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-1 et seq.
Distress and distraint not permitted. • North Carolina
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-1 et seq.
Remedies. • North Carolina
Ohio Rev. Code §§ 4781.36–4781.52
Limits on operator's right to recover possession of premises. • Ohio
Ohio Rev. Code ch. 5321
Acts of landlord prohibited if residential property involved. • Ohio
41 O.S. § 101 et seq.
Wrongful Removal or Exclusion from Dwelling Unit • Oklahoma
41 O.S. § 101 et seq.
Unlawful Entry or Lawful Entry in Unreasonable Manner - Harassment of Tenant - Damages • Oklahoma
21 O.S. § 1351 et seq.
Penalty for Procuring Violence During Forcible Entry and Detainer • Oklahoma
21 O.S. § 1351 et seq.
Request For Immediate Removal of a Person or Persons Unlawfully Occupying Real Property • Oklahoma
ORS § 105
Entry to be lawful and peaceable only. • Oregon
ORS § 105
Action for forcible entry or wrongful detainer. • Oregon
ORS § 90
Effect of unlawful ouster or exclusion; willful diminution of services. • Oregon
ORS § 90
Limitation on recovery of possession of premises. • Oregon
68 P.S.
Damages for Removal of Property Distrained On • Pennsylvania
R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 34-18
Tenant's remedies for landlord's unlawful ouster, exclusion, or diminution of service • Rhode Island
R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 34-18
Self-help recovery of possession prohibited • Rhode Island
R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 34-18.1
Right of "self help" prohibited • Rhode Island
R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 34-19
Return of verdict • Rhode Island
S.C. Code Ann. tit. 15, ch. 67
Restitution of possession to tenants for years • South Carolina
S.C. Code Ann. tit. 15, ch. 67
Persons who have held by force three years are unaffected by this article • South Carolina
S.C. Code Ann. tit. 27, ch. 40
Tenant's remedies for landlord's unlawful ouster or exclusion • South Carolina
S.C. Code Ann. tit. 27, ch. 40
Recovery of possession limited • South Carolina
Tex. Gov't Code §§ 2306.185, 2306.186, 2306.269, 2306.358, 2306.6702, 2306.6713, 2306.6720, 2306.6722, 2306.6726, 2306.6728, 2306.6730, 2306.6735, 2306.6738, 2306.851–2306.853, 2306.921–2306.940
PROHIBITED PRACTICES. • Texas
Tex. Prop. Code §§ 54.041–54.048, 54.901
VIOLATION BY LANDLORD. • Texas
Tex. Prop. Code §§ 92.001–92.355
REMOVAL OF PROPERTY AND EXCLUSION OF RESIDENTIAL TENANT. • Texas
Tex. Prop. Code §§ 92.001–92.355
RESIDENTIAL TENANT'S RIGHT OF REENTRY AFTER UNLAWFUL LOCKOUT. • Texas
Utah Code Ann. § 78B-6-801 et seq.
Exclusion of tenant without judicial process prohibited -- Abandoned premises excepted. • Utah
Utah Code Ann. § 78B-6-801 et seq.
Limited alternative remedy to remove a trespasser from real property. • Utah
27 V.S.A. ch. 15
Protection against harassment • Vermont
9 V.S.A. ch. 137
Illegal evictions • Vermont
9 V.S.A. ch. 137
Remedies for illegal evictions • Vermont
12 V.S.A. ch. 171
Entry or detainer with force; forcible entry prohibited • Vermont
12 V.S.A. ch. 171
Restitution • Vermont
12 V.S.A. ch. 171
Trespass for treble damages • Vermont
10 V.S.A. ch. 153
Illegal evictions • Vermont
Va. Code § 55.1-1200 et seq.
Tenant's remedies for exclusion from dwelling unit, interruption of services, or actions taken to make premises unsafe. • Virginia
Va. Code § 55.1-1200 et seq.
Tenant's remedies for exclusion from dwelling unit due to condemnation. • Virginia
Va. Code § 55.1-1200 et seq.
Recovery of possession limited. • Virginia
Wash. Rev. Code § 59.12.010 et seq.
Forcible entry defined. • Washington
Wash. Rev. Code § 59.12.010 et seq.
Forcible detainer defined. • Washington
Wash. Rev. Code § 59.12.010 et seq.
Forcible entry and detainer -- Penalty. • Washington
Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.010 et seq.
Removal or exclusion of tenant from premises -- Holding over or excluding landlord from premises after termination date -- Attorneys' fees. • Washington
W. Va. Code § 37-6-1 et seq.
Unlawful act after making distress; damages. • West Virginia
W. Va. Code § 37-6-1 et seq.
Record of reentry; publication of certificate. • West Virginia
W. Va. Code § 55-3C-1 et seq.
Limited Alternative Remedy to Remove Squatter from Residential and Commercial Real Properties. • West Virginia
Wis. Stat.
Removal of tenant on termination of tenancy. • Wisconsin
Wis. Stat.
Execution of writ of restitution; disposal of personal property. • Wisconsin
Wyo. Stat. §§ 1-21-403, 1-21-1001 through 1-21-1017, 1-21-1201 through 1-21-1211, 1-21-1301 through 1-21-1304, 1-21-1401 through 1-21-1403
Vacation of unauthorized persons; cause of action for wrongful removal. • Wyoming