If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, here’s what you should know...
What is a lockout?
A lockout is any action your landlord or his or her employees take that prevents you from living in you apartment or that forces you to leave. For example, a lockout can be plugging, changing, adding or removing locks, blocking entrances, removing doors or windows, or turning off the utilities (gas, heat, electricity, water or telephone service). In general, a lockout is anything that makes it impossible for you to get into or out of your apartment, or anything that makes it impossible for you to live in your apartment. Your landlord cannot legally use any of the above methods, violence, or the threat of force to make you leave.
Can my landlord evict me by locking me out?
No. Your landlord can only have you evicted by asking for and getting permission from a court. After a court has granted the eviction only the Sheriff may actually remove your belongs from your apartment. See the "Evictions" pamphlet.
Can I be locked out for not paying rent?
No. Your landlord cannot lock you out even if you have not paid your rent. But your landlord can bring an eviction court case against you. For more information, see the "Evictions" pamphlet.
What can I do if my landlord locks me out?
Call the police and say that your landlord has illegally locked you out of your apartment. Then if necessary, call a lawyer, your local community group, or the Department of Human Services at 744-5829 for emergency shelter information. It is illegal for your landlord to lock you out of your apartment. Your landlord can be arrested or fined by the court between $200 and $500 for each day you were locked out.
What if the police will not help me?
Get the badge numbers of the officers who are refusing you assistance. Then call your local police station and ask to speak with the Watch Commander to report this problem. Special Order #93-12 requires the police to investigate lockouts.
This information was provided by www.tenant.net.
I've been trying to get help since 10/17/2010 for being locked out my apartment at 8118 s throop chicago, IL. my mother is a 68 years old and she did not pay rent and her landlord died and the grandson have been living there and told my mother that she have to get out or pay now. She called me and me and the grandson of the landlord got into an arguement and he locked my 68 year old mother out of the apartment. she have been homeless, stay at a member of her church because the police at 78th and halsted street would not help. I talked to a Sgt. Rolland and a officer Bond and both of them told me to call tenant right to get help it is not anything they can do to help her. I told them that because she did not pay rent for october isn't a reason for that young man to lock her out of the apartment. We called the police and all they told her on 10/12/10 to pack her some items and leave the apartment because Michale Cannon was threating to harm her if she did not pay rent.
ReplyDeleteI did not understand why he was not arrested for locking her out of her apartment, where she have been living and paying rent for 15 yrs. Where is the the help for the elder in Chicago,IL
If the officers told you there is nothing they can do to help your mother, they are lying. By law, they have to investigate illegal lockouts. By law, anyone who illegally locks someone out of their home, can be arrested.
ReplyDeleteDid you contact the Watch Commander in your district? Did you ask for a supervisor?
I'd like to get more details about your story, If you get this message, send me an email at news@ChicagoNewsReport.com.
I NEED HELP PLEASE, my landlord as of 12-1-2012 kicked me out of a house where I staying upstairs in a bedroom with no windows and the heater right on the other side of the closet, plus the back door was boarded with a long piece of plywood. The landlord at the time decided that he/she no longer wanted me there and put me out while keeping a suite case full of my personal information any and everything you can think of under the sun. I would like to know what can I do to retrieve this information back there was no reason for him/her to keep my personal information. I have text messages from him/her stating that my property is in his/her home right now PLEASE HELP ME ASAP
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