Tenant, Housing, and Legal Emergencies
Housing and legal crises require quick action to preserve your rights, maintain shelter, and protect yourself against illegal landlord behavior or sudden legal disputes.
### [Illegal eviction and lockout](illegal-eviction-and-lockout.md)
What to do right away if a landlord changes your locks, shuts off utilities, or removes your belongings without a court order.
### [Uninhabitable housing and essential services](uninhabitable-housing-and-essential-services.md)
Handling sudden lack of heat, water leaks, sewage backups, mold, or structural hazards in rented homes.
### [Security deposit withholding disputes](security-deposit-withholding.md)
How to demand the return of security deposits, document move out conditions, and challenge wrongful deductions.
### [Landlord harassment and privacy violations](landlord-harassment-and-privacy-violations.md)
Protecting yourself against illegal landlord entry, threats, utility shutoffs, and unannounced intrusions.
### [Served with a civil lawsuit](served-with-a-civil-lawsuit.md)
What to do and what not to do when served with a civil summons: court deadlines, response options, legal aid, and default judgment risks.
### [Accused of a crime and criminal defense](accused-of-a-crime-and-criminal-defense.md)
Essential steps when accused of a crime or facing criminal charges: exercising legal rights, public defenders, and mistake prevention.
### [Injury on your property and lawsuits](injury-on-your-property-liability-and-lawsuits.md)
What to do if someone is injured on your property or sues for premises liability: first aid, notifying insurance, documenting the scene, and legal defense.