When a landlord locks you out, shuts off utilities, or removes your belongings, many tenants ask the same urgent question:
Can the police help with an illegal eviction?
The answer is not always simple. This guide explains when police can help, when they usually cannot, and how tenants should interact with law enforcement during an illegal eviction situation.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not provide legal advice.
Table of Contents
What Is an Illegal Eviction?
An illegal eviction happens when a landlord forces a tenant out without following the required legal process, such as:
- Changing locks without a court order
- Shutting off utilities to force a tenant to leave
- Removing or throwing away tenant belongings
- Harassing or repeatedly entering to pressure a tenant to move
👉 If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies, start here:
What to Do If Your Landlord Illegally Evicts You
Can Police Stop an Illegal Eviction?
Short Answer: Sometimes — but not always.
Police generally do not conduct evictions. However, they may intervene when:
Police involvement often depends on local policy, state law, and the specific facts.
Situations Where Police May Help
1️⃣ Lockouts Without a Court Order
If a landlord changes locks while a tenant is still legally entitled to possession, police may:
- Order the landlord to restore access
- Treat the situation as unlawful entry or interference
- Document the incident in a report
👉 Related guide:
Is Locking a Tenant Out Illegal?
2️⃣ Utility Shutoffs That Create Unsafe Conditions
If utilities like heat, water, or electricity are shut off to force a tenant out, police may step in if:
- Health or safety is at risk
- Local law treats shutoffs as criminal conduct
👉 Learn more here:
Can a Landlord Shut Off Utilities to Evict a Tenant?
3️⃣ Removal or Destruction of Tenant Property
If a landlord removes, damages, or discards tenant belongings without a court order, police may treat it as:
👉 See also:
Can a Landlord Remove Tenant’s Belongings Without Court Order?
4️⃣ Threats, Harassment, or Violence
Police are more likely to intervene when an illegal eviction involves:
- Physical threats
- Intimidation
- Repeated harassment
- Forced removal attempts
When Police Usually Will NOT Help
Police often decline to intervene when they view the situation as a civil dispute, such as:
- Rent disagreements
- Lease interpretation issues
- Properly filed court eviction cases
- Situations where facts are unclear
In these cases, police may advise tenants to seek court remedies instead.
What Police Can Do (and Cannot Do)
Police MAY:
Police usually CANNOT:
- Force a landlord to let you stay long-term
- Decide who legally owns or possesses property
- Replace a judge or eviction court
How to Increase the Chances Police Will Help
If you call the police during an illegal eviction:
Be Prepared to Show:
- Your lease or proof of tenancy
- Recent rent payments
- Mail or ID showing the address
- Messages from the landlord
Tips When Speaking to Police:
- Stay calm and factual
- Avoid arguing with the landlord on scene
- Ask for an incident or report number
📌 Even if police do not act immediately, a report can become valuable evidence later.
Should You Always Call the Police?
Calling police can be helpful if:
- You are locked out
- Utilities were shut off suddenly
- Property is being removed
- You feel unsafe
However, police involvement is often temporary. Long-term solutions usually require court action or housing authority intervention.
What to Do If Police Refuse to Help
If police decline to intervene:
- Ask for an incident report anyway
- Document everything yourself
- Contact local housing authorities
- Consider emergency court filings
👉 Step-by-step help:
How to Prove an Illegal Eviction
What Evidence Do You Need for an Illegal Eviction?
Does Police Involvement Vary by State?
Yes.
Some states treat illegal evictions as criminal offenses, while others handle them primarily as civil matters.
State-specific rules will be addressed in separate guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will police force my landlord to let me back in?
Sometimes temporarily, but long-term access usually requires court involvement.
Can police arrest a landlord for illegal eviction?
In some jurisdictions, yes — especially if criminal laws are violated.
Should I call police or housing authorities first?
If there is immediate danger or a lockout, police may be appropriate. For ongoing disputes, housing authorities or courts may be more effective.
Final Thoughts
Police can sometimes help stop an illegal eviction — but they are not a replacement for the courts.
Understanding when police can intervene helps tenants act quickly, safely, and strategically when facing unlawful eviction tactics.
Author Disclosure
Written by Emily Carter, J.D.
Housing law researcher and Small Claims Court specialist with over 8 years of experience in landlord–tenant disputes.
This content is for educational purposes only and does not provide legal advice.
