Under New York law, a landlord cannot legally lock out a tenant without a court order. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing doors, shutting utilities) are illegal. Exceptions where a court may authorize lockout after due process:
The landlord must file an eviction petition, obtain a judgment, and have a warrant executed by a sheriff/marshal. If locked out illegally, call 911 or contact a tenant attorney; you may be entitled to damages and re-entry.