Los Angeles Eviction Lawyer Blog

Landlords, I know you want to get your tenants out if they are not paying their rent or doing worse things like diminishing the value of your property or causing a nuisance but you need to be careful in California.

Here are some things that you can’t do:  Lock your tenant out, remove doors or windows, change locks, cut off utility services, or use other forms of harassment to make them move out.

Remember, they can file a complaint with the police if you locks them out or cuts off their utilities.  They can also sue you in Small Claims Court for your actions.

If they report you to a government agency, you cannot raise their rent, evict them, or decrease the services you provide to them because of the complaint. This protection is good for 180 days from the date they file their complaint.

So be smart and get proper legal advice.