Illinois Lockouts and utility shutoffs

Can a landlord change the locks or shut off utilities in Illinois?

A landlord may not cause or request utility service to an occupied building to be cut off, whether by not paying bills the landlord is responsible for or by tampering with equipment or lines (emergency and notified repair shutoffs excepted). The Illinois Attorney General's guide also says a landlord must go to court to evict and may not lock a tenant out; no state statute on lockouts was found in the acts searched.

Verified Source: 765 ILCS 735/1.4; Illinois Attorney General guidance (lockouts) · last checked 2026-10-23