Can Your Landlord Throw Out Your Belongings Over Unpaid Rent? Here’s What Indian Law Clearly Says

Eviction without a court order is illegal in India, and landlords who remove belongings or change locks can face criminal charges.

Landlord–tenant disputes are common, especially when rent payments are delayed or minor disagreements escalate. But across Indian cities, a rising number of tenants report landlords cutting electricity, changing locks, or even throwing out personal belongings to force them out.

The law, however, is unambiguous: , even if rent is overdue.

Under Indian law, . Any attempt to forcibly evict a tenant amounts to a criminal offence and can lead to police action.

Here’s a clear breakdown of what the law provides and what tenants must do if such an incident occurs.

The Civil Procedure Code mandates a formal legal process for eviction:

• The landlord must file an