← All topics

Lockouts are illegal

Only a court can evict you. Your landlord can't force you out on their own, whether or not the RLTO covers your unit.

It's an illegal lockout if your landlord

  • Changes or plugs your locks.
  • Removes doors or windows.
  • Removes your belongings.
  • Cuts off your heat, utilities, or water to make you leave.

What to do

  • Call the police. Chicago police enforce the lockout law.
  • Landlords can be fined $200 to $500 for every day a lockout continues.

Source: Chicago Municipal Code 5-12-160