Which aspect of tenant lockouts is considered illegal under current laws?

Changing the locks during a tenant lockout is considered illegal under current laws because it can effectively deny the tenant access to their rental unit without going through the proper legal channels. Lockouts must adhere to specific legal processes and protections for tenants. Typically, landlords are required to provide proper notice and go through legal eviction procedures if they wish to remove a tenant due to non-payment or other violations. Unilateral actions, such as changing the locks, bypass these legal protections and violate the tenant's rights.

While providing notice, conducting eviction procedures, and withholding rent can have legal ramifications, they involve steps that adhere to legal protocols when done correctly. Changing the locks, however, creates an immediate and unlawful barrier to access, making it a form of self-help eviction that is not permissible under the law.