The short answer is no.  If a landlord attempts to do so, it can lead to a host of problems. These actions can result in extra penalties and court costs for the landlord. When a landlord skirts the legal requirements of providing notice of termination of a lease and the commencement of eviction proceedings, and instead starts throwing a tenant's stereo out the window, changing the locks, cutting off the electricity, etc., they are committing an illegal “self-help” eviction. Taking matters into their own hands is never a good solution for landlords.  Tenants have rights.