What are the laws regarding locking tenants out of their rental properties?
In California, landlords are not legally allowed to lock tenants out of their rental properties. According to California Civil Code Section 789.3, landlords who do so without proper court authorization are liable to the tenant for any damages suffered due to the lockout, as well as three times the monthly rent due for that rental period, or three times the actual damages caused. Furthermore, a landlord must provide a tenant with reasonable notice before entering their rental property (at least 24 hours). The landlord must also enter the property at a reasonable time and for a reasonable purpose (such as to make repairs or inspect the property). If a landlord believes that a tenant is violating the terms of the lease, they must provide written notice to the tenant, then file a lawsuit to seek an eviction. The landlord is not allowed to lock the tenant out of the property without a court order. In California, tenants who are locked out of their rental property without court authorization may be able to file a lawsuit against their landlords. It is important for tenants to know their rights and to seek legal advice if they believe their landlord is unlawfully locking them out of their rental property.
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