Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Illinois

Re: Early eviction and Lock-Out

You have a right to re-enter the residence immediately. I would advise to contact the landlord and state that if you are not let back into the premises within 24 hours, you will contact the police. If you do not have a place to stay tonight, contact the police immediately.

Landlords are absolutely not allowed to lock out a tenant, only the sheriff may do so. It does not matter that the landlord has served you eviction papers and it does not matter if you have not paid rent. You have a right to enter that apartment.

Your landlord should know that locking out a tenant carries criminal charges including a fine of up to $500 per day that the tenant is locked out. You may also be able to seek damages in Court depending on what city you live in.

Please feel free to contact us if you want to talk about the details.

Re: Early eviction and Lock-Out

I find it amazing that a Landlord would do this without aid of a court order. You need to contact police to advise them that you were locked out; AND contact an attorney as soon as possible, like yesterday. Good Luck!