What is a Self Help Eviction?
What is a Self Help Eviction?
A self-help eviction is an unlawful eviction method where a landlord attempts to remove a tenant from a rental property without going through the legal eviction process. Self-help evictions are typically illegal because they bypass court procedures designed to protect tenants' rights and ensure due process.
Examples of self-help eviction actions include:
- Changing the locks on the property to prevent the tenant from entering
- Shutting off essential utilities like water, electricity, or heat
- Removing the tenant’s belongings from the property
- Physically removing or threatening the tenant
In many jurisdictions, landlords must follow formal eviction procedures, which often require filing a lawsuit and obtaining a court order before forcing a tenant to leave. Ignoring these procedures and resorting to self-help measures can result in legal consequences for the landlord, including fines, penalties, or the obligation to pay the tenant's damages.
