Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Illinois

Entry by Landlord without my permission

If my landlord enters my apartment without my knowledge or permission, when I am not present, do I have the legal right to change the locks without his permission? He claimed he was there to repair something, but I do not believe his wife, who was with him, had any valid reason.


Asked on 3/06/00, 2:55 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Re: Entry by Landlord without my permission

You probably do not have a right

to change your lock, but you may

want to file a police report for

trespass and take it to the Office

of the State's Attorney and see

what that office may want to do.

However, before you do this, take

a look at your lease on the subject

of the landlord making repairs,

if you have a lease. Generally, a

landlord is not to enter your apartment, without notice to you.

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Answered on 3/21/00, 6:05 am
Charles Dobra Charles Wm. Dobra, Ltd.

Re: Entry by Landlord without my permission

Most leases contain provisions that permit access to your apartment for routine and emergency maintenance. Also, I'll bet the lease provides that you can't change the locks. It is very rude, however, not to advise a person that they will be at your apartment to conduct routine maintenance on a certain date/time. I would explain to the landlord that if they gain access in this manner again, i.e., without prior notification, that you won't renew the lease.

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Answered on 3/20/00, 3:37 pm


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