New York Lockouts and utility shutoffs

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

Evicting an occupant of 30 days or more (or anyone with a lease) without a court warrant or order is unlawful. This includes force, cutting essential services, removing belongings or the door, disabling or changing the lock without giving a key. The owner must restore the occupant on request. It is a class A misdemeanor with a civil penalty of $1,000 to $10,000 per violation, plus up to $100 a day (for up to six months) for failing to restore the occupant. Statute text: "It shall be unlawful for any person to evict or attempt to evict an occupant of a dwelling unit who has lawfully occupied the dwelling unit for thirty consecutive days or longer" (RPAPL § 768(1)(a)).

Verified Source: N.Y. Real Prop. Acts. Law § 768 · last checked 2026-10-23