Lockouts are illegal in Illinois. And in Cook County, a law gives tenants more rights if they've been locked out. The law is called the Cook County Residential Tenant Landlord Ordinance (“RTLO”). The part of the law banning lockouts took effect January 28th, 2021.

What does the Cook County RTLO do?

The Cook County RTLO lets you sue your landlord if they lock you out. You can get 2 months' rent, or whatever costs you had due to the lockout, whichever is higher.

Your landlord will also have to pay you back for any money you have to spend hiring a lawyer to file the case for you. 

What counts as a lockout?

A lockout includes:

• Changing your locks,
• Removing doors or windows,  
• Shutting off your utilities,
• Damaging or removing your property,
• Damaging or removing your appliances,
• Preventing you from using needed areas like laundry room, or
• Threatening to do any of these things.

Does the Cook County RTLO apply everywhere in Cook County?

No. It does not apply in:

• Chicago,
• Evanston,
• Oak Park, or
• Mount Prospect.

These areas already have their own laws about lockouts.

What should I do if I've been locked out?

Call 911 or your local police department right away. Make sure they know about the Cook County RTLO. Tell them you need help getting back in your unit. 

Here is a script you can use:

My name is ________. On [DATE AND/OR TIME], my landlord illegally locked me out from [ADDRESS] by [EXPLAIN WHAT HAPPENED]. Under the Cook County Residential Tenant Landlord Ordinance, no landlord has the right to evict any tenant without a court order. I am requesting that you advise my landlord that their conduct is illegal. I also ask that you help me with regaining rightful possession of my home.

You can also call your local building department or township, or a housing counselor.