What does the term "unlawful eviction" refer to?

The term "unlawful eviction" specifically refers to the act of evicting a tenant without legal justification. This means that the landlord does not follow the proper legal procedures outlined by state laws or the terms of the lease agreement when removing a tenant from a rental property. It is essential for landlords to adhere to the legal requirements for eviction, which typically involve providing proper notice and, if necessary, obtaining a court order.

Unlawful eviction can encompass various scenarios, such as forcibly removing a tenant without following the legal process, shutting off utilities to force the tenant to leave, or changing the locks without the tenant's consent. These actions violate tenant rights and can lead to legal repercussions for the landlord.

The other options provided do not capture the essence of unlawful eviction. For instance, evicting a tenant for non-payment of rent can be legal when done according to the law. Similarly, the number of warnings given or the timing of the eviction (such as during winter months) does not inherently make an eviction unlawful if the proper legal procedures are still followed.