Are there laws that protect a tenant from being locked out of their rental?

Yes, in California, there are laws that protect tenants from being locked out or unlawfully evicted by their landlords. According to California State Law, it is illegal for a landlord to lock out a tenant or otherwise attempt to force a tenant to leave an apartment without legal authority. This includes changing the locks on a tenant’s door, shutting off essential services like water or electricity, or removing the tenant’s personal belongings from the property. In addition, a landlord must give a tenant written notice to vacate the property if they wish to legally evict them, and comply with all other local and state laws when doing so. If a landlord has violated any state-mandated tenant rights, such as in the case of a lockout, a tenant can file a lawsuit to recover damages for any harm caused. Depending on the circumstances of the lockout, a tenant may be able to seek restitution for associated costs such as alternative housing, inability to access personal belongings, or attorney’s fees. In general, any tenant that feels they may be at risk of being locked out should contact their local police department. The police can provide advice on how to protect yourself and help resolve any landlord-tenant disputes. Furthermore, it is important for tenants to always read their lease agreements thoroughly and be aware of their rights as outlined by California law.

Related FAQs

Can a tenant break a lease without penalty?
What rights do tenants and landlords have when it comes to changing the terms of a lease?
Are there limits on the amount of a security deposit that a landlord can demand?
Are there state or federal laws that regulate leases?
What rights do tenants have when it comes to making alterations to the rental property?
Are landlords required to provide certain amenities as part of a lease agreement?
Can a landlord need to charge higher rent from tenants of certain protected classes?
Can a landlord evict a tenant without cause?
What responsibilities does a landlord have to maintain a property?
Can a landlord prohibit a tenant from having pets?

Are there laws that protect a tenant from being locked out of their rental?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts