Can landlord cut off utilities to force eviction?
How the answer differs across 2 jurisdictions
IndiaFull article The Short Answer
No, a landlord cannot cut off water or electricity to force eviction — it is illegal and amounts to 'self-help' eviction, prohibited under Indian law.
Illegal
Act status
Civil suit
Remedy available
Rs. 5,000
Max fine (Model Act)
1 yr jail
Max imprisonment
US-CaliforniaFull article The Short Answer
No, your landlord cannot lock you out or shut off utilities to force you to leave — it's illegal under California law and can result in penalties up to $100 per day.
$100/day
Civil penalty
30 days
Notice for rent increase >10%
No self-help
Eviction rule
24–48 hrs
Utility shutoff notice
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IndiaCan a landlord cut off water/electricity to force eviction?US-CaliforniaCan my landlord lock me out or shut off utilities to force me to leave?Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: June 2026.