Illegal Lockout

A landlord or property manager is not allowed to engage in self-help for recovering possession of the rental unit, they must follow proper legal procedures and follow the rules to establish their right to reclaim the premises. Sometimes, landlords like to bully tenants and just take care of the problems themselves. One way that a landlord could do this is by showing up to the tenant’s residence and changing the locks. Without a court order, this conduct is completely illegal.

Changing the locks, shutting off the utilities, or otherwise preventing the tenant from accessing the property without a court order opens the landlord to California’s unlawful lockout laws. These laws are extremely strict against landlords who act in this manner. The law provides that such landlords can be penalized $100 per day that the tenant is locked out of the unit, plus other damages and remedies.

If you have been illegally locked out by your landlord, contact an experienced attorney. At renter warriors, we fight for tenants.

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What Is an Illegal Lockout or Utility Shutoff?

Illegal lockout (self-help eviction):

When a landlord tries to remove a tenant without a court order—by changing locks, removing doors, taking tenant belongings, or physically blocking access—this is an unlawful self-help eviction.

Illegal utility shutoff:

When a landlord deliberately turns off or interrupts essential services (water, electricity, gas, or hot water) to force you out or punish you, that is unlawful and may amount to constructive eviction or harassment. Both acts violate California law and tenant protections, and they expose the landlord to civil and sometimes criminal consequences.

Illegal Lockouts & Utility Shutoffs — San Diego Tenant Rights Attorneys Who Fight Back

Locked Out or Left Without Water, Power, or Gas? Fight Back Now.

If your landlord changed the locks, physically forced you out, or shut off essential utilities to pressure you to leave, that’s illegal in California. These are aggressive, unlawful tactics — and they can be stopped.
At Renter Warriors, our San Diego tenant rights attorneys respond immediately to illegal lockouts and unlawful utility shutoffs. We protect tenants, get people back into their homes, and pursue full legal remedies against abusive landlords.

 

Call (866) 219-3343 now for a consultation with a San Diego tenant lawyer.
Do not accept an illegal lockout or utility shutoff — we will fight to get you back in and compensated.

Legal Remedies — What We Can Do for You

Our San Diego tenant attorneys move fast to stop illegal lockouts and utility shutoffs and to secure your legal rights and compensation. Typical remedies include:

  • Injunctions and writs to prevent further illegal actions by the landlord.
  • Money damages for wrongful eviction, emotional distress, and lost property or housing costs.
  • Statutory penalties and attorney’s fees where state law allows recovery of costs. For example, illegally changing the locks and locking a tenant out carries a penalty of $100 per day.
  • Tenant protections under AB 1482 and California law, including defense against retaliatory eviction attempts.

 

We know how to get clients back into their homes quickly and to pursue full accountability for landlords who break the law.

Why You Need a Lawyer Right Away

Landlords who use self-help evictions or shut off utilities often try to create facts on the ground before a tenant can act. A skilled tenant lawyer can:

  • Stop the landlord quickly with emergency legal filings.
  • Preserve critical evidence and document unlawful conduct.
  • Coordinate with police and utility companies when necessary.
  • Maximize recovery — reimbursement for damages, relocation costs, and attorney’s fees.
  • Defend you if the landlord later files unlawful detainer papers or claims against you.

 

Don’t accept second place to a landlord’s illegal tactics. Call a San Diego eviction defense attorney immediately.

How to Prepare Before You Call

When you call us, we’ll be ready to act. If possible, have these items available:

  • Your lease or rental agreement
  • Any notices from your landlord (eviction notices, rent notices, memos)
  • Photos or videos of locks, doors, meters, or disconnected equipment
  • Texts, emails, or voicemail from the landlord or property manager
  • Receipts for rent paid and any relocation or emergency housing costs

 

If you don’t have everything, call us anyway — emergency relief is often available with minimal documentation.

We Fight for San Diego Renters — Fast, Relentlessly, Effectively

At Renter Warriors, we defend tenants across San Diego County — from downtown San Diego to Chula Vista, National City, La Mesa, Oceanside, and beyond. We treat illegal lockouts and utility shutoffs as the serious civil rights violations they are, and we pursue immediate and full relief for our clients.

Call (866) 219-3343 now for an emergency consultation.
Request an urgent case review online — we respond immediately.

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Take Action Now — Don’t Let a Landlord Get Away With This

  • If you’re locked out or your utilities were turned off intentionally: call us now.
  • If you’ve been forced to find other housing or paid for emergency services, keep receipts — you may be entitled to reimbursement.
  • If you fear retaliation after asserting your rights, tell us — retaliation is illegal and we will fight it.

 

We will fight to get you back inside your home, restore services, and pursue compensation.