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. If your utilities are disconnected by an official agent of any utility company for non-payment or other legitimate reason, you landlord cannot be held responsible.
