Illegal Eviction Law. Regardless of the purpose of the eviction, the landlord must follow a process specified by the law. Although self-help evictions are illegal in all but two states, only four states consider them to be criminal acts. It is illegal for your landlord to evict you without first going to court and getting an eviction order. If your landlord gets an eviction order, only a sheriff, sheriff’s deputy, or court bailiff can physically remove you and your belongings from your home. In Missouri , a landlord performing an illegal eviction is guilty of forcible entry and detainer, and faces the same penalties that any tenant found guilty of forcible entry and detainer would. Avoid Illegal Evictions: Let an Attorney Help You Do It Right. Examples of illegal “self-help” evictions include changing the locks, taking the tenant’s belongings, removing the front door, or turning off the heat or electricity. But you still need to follow the law … Some states also provide for a tenant’s court costs and attorneys’ fees to be paid by the landlord if they prevail. Eviction is a legal process by which a landlord may terminate a tenant's right to remain on the rental property. Some states specify an amount of money a tenant can sue for if the landlord attempts to illegally evict them through self-help measures. Sometimes, a tenant causes more trouble than it's worth — whether it's late rent payments, complaints from neighbors, or destruction to your property — and they need to go. Eviction is the process by which a landlord removes a tenant from physical possession of the rented property. Document that the eviction is retaliation. Document your communications with the health inspector. The law would allow a temporary stay on most tenant evictions for at least 60 days. Eviction Law and Legal Definition. It is illegal to evict you for exercising a legal right. The majority of evictions are the result of a tenant’s failure to pay rent, or the tenant’s frequent violation of the terms of the lease or rental agreement. The law is very specific and solid in its procedures for eviction of any tenant who has an assured shorthold tenancy agreement, and tenants are covered by the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 to ensure the processes and notice periods are adhered to. NYC Administrative Code § 26-521. There may be illegal eviction penalties imposed on a landlord. It is illegal for a landlord to evict a tenant for complaining to the landlord or to the appropriate local or government agency regarding the property. Illegal eviction is a criminal offence. Unlawful eviction. These will vary by location. Without an eviction order, your landlord can’t do anything that prevents you from having access to your home. Evicting a Squatter. It is also illegal for a landlord to evict a tenant for joining, supporting, or organizing a tenant organization or union. To explore this concept, consider the following eviction definition. a. For example, if you report your landlord to a Department of Health and Safety, your landlord cannot turn around and evict you as punishment. The legal action brought to obtain an eviction is called an unlawful detainer. Many states specify how much money a tenant can sue for if the landlord has tried to illegally … Ultimately, the renter may be forcibly removed from the property by the sheriff or other law enforcement officials. Retaliatory Evictions. Landlords aiming to file new eviction proceedings would have to wait until at least May 1.