Final answer:
When landlords evict tenants without a court order, it is called an illegal eviction or self-help eviction, which is usually against the law. Landlords must follow legal processes, including issuing written notices and obtaining court orders, to legally remove tenants.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a landlord takes the law into their own hands and removes a tenant without a court order, it is known as an illegal eviction or self-help eviction. It is typically against the law for landlords to forcibly remove tenants without going through the proper legal process, which includes obtaining a court order. Examples of such illegal actions include changing the locks, removing the tenant's belongings, or shutting off utilities in an attempt to force the tenant out.
Under most residential lease agreements, there is a legal process that must be followed for terminating tenancies and removing tenants. This often requires providing a written notice of intention to terminate the lease, following specific time frames, and obtaining a court order if the tenant does not comply. The quote provided suggests that the removal occurred 'without delay,' which implies that the proper legal process was likely not followed, constituting an illegal eviction.