Step 1:

Check that you are having a lockout or shutoff issue

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Make sure exactly what is happening with your rental home.

Has your landlord or property manager changed the locks of your home? This is a lockout issue.

Have they shut off your utilities, like your electricity, water, or sewage service? This is a utility shutoff issue.

Step 2:

Call the police if you are locked out

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You have a right to access your rental home. Unless your landlord has a formal eviction order from the court to remove you, then you should be able to enter your home.

You can call 911, and tell the police what is happening. They can help make sure that you can enter your home.

Step 3:

Show the police proof that you rent the home

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When the police arrive after you call, you will have to prove who you are and that you are the legal renter of the home.

You should be ready to show a copy of your lease, the agreement you signed with the landlord to rent the home. Or you can show other proof that you rent this home.

Talk to the police to ensure they understand the situation.

Step 4:

Re-enter your home

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The police should let you back into your home.

Once you're able to prove that you rent this home, then they can let you back in.

If you have further problems with lockouts or shutoffs, contact a lawyer. You can find your local Virginia legal aid group by calling 1-866-534-5243.

You can also look up your local legal aid group online.

Can a landlord lockout a tenant or shut off utilities?

 Under either the general landlord tenant-law or the VRLTA, the landlord may not :

• shut off utilities,
• lock the tenant out of the rental unit, or
• evict the tenant without giving notice and going to court.

The landlord must wait until a court order is issued. Any statement in a lease that says you give up (waive) your rights to the court eviction process is not enforceable. 

What can I do if I am locked out or my utilities are shut off?

If the landlord locks you out or “diminishes” your services, you may call the police and/or get an order from the General District Court.

When you go to court, you can get back possession of your rental unit. And you can require the landlord to restore your services.

At court, you can file a Tenant’s Petition for Relief from Unlawful Exclusion in General District Court. 

As an alternative, you may sue in Circuit Court to get back into your place (asking for an “injunction”), plus reimbursement for any damages you incurred.

It is generally more challenging for a non-lawyer to file in Circuit Court rather than General District Court. It is highly recommended that you have an attorney to represent you in Circuit Court.

How can I call for emergency help if I'm locked out of my rental?

For an emergency, you can call the police at 911.

If you are in the Fairfax area of Virginia, you can also call police with these phone numbers:

For Non-Emergencies: 703-691-2131

For Out-of-Area Emergency: 703-691-2233

The information on this page is not legal advice.

Legal advice is dependent upon the specific circumstances of a person's situation.

Therefore, the information on this page cannot replace the advice of competent, local legal counsel. This is general information, and not specific advice.

Please contact a lawyer in Virginia to help you with your specific situation.

Other housing legal problem guides

Do you need help with housing problems in Virginia? These free legal help guides can help with problems when you are a renter or a homeowner.