You come home and something’s off. Maybe the locks have been changed, or maybe your lights won’t turn on. Maybe there’s an eviction notice taped to the door—but you know it’s not right. If your landlord is forcing you out without following proper legal steps, that’s not just unfair—it could be illegal. You might need a wrongful eviction lawyer to fight back and protect your rights.
What Is a Wrongful Eviction?
A wrongful eviction is when a landlord forces, tricks, or pressures a tenant to leave their home without following proper legal procedures.
This includes:
- Locking you out without a court order
- Shutting off your utilities
- Removing your belongings
- Harassing or threatening you
- Filing a fake eviction notice
- Claiming you violated the lease when you didn’t
It’s not just wrong—it’s illegal.
If this happens, the law is on your side.
You Can’t Be Evicted Without a Court Process
Let’s be clear: a landlord cannot legally evict you without a judge’s approval.
Here’s how legal eviction works in California:
- You receive a written notice (3-day, 30-day, or 60-day depending on the case).
- You have a chance to fix the issue or respond.
- If you don’t, the landlord files an “unlawful detainer” lawsuit.
- A court date is scheduled.
- A judge hears both sides and makes a decision.
- Only then can a sheriff carry out an eviction—never the landlord themselves.
Anything outside this process is illegal.
Landlords can’t take matters into their own hands. They can’t cut power, change locks, or throw your stuff outside.
If they do, you may have grounds to sue.
Types of Illegal Evictions
There are a few ways landlords try to cheat the system. Know what to watch for.
1. Lockouts
This is when your landlord changes the locks while you’re away. You come home and can’t get in. No court order. No sheriff. Just a locked door.
This is illegal.
Even if you’re behind on rent, they can’t do this.
2. Utility Shutoffs
Landlords may try to force you out by making the unit unlivable. They cut off water, gas, or electricity hoping you’ll leave on your own.
It’s a sneaky tactic—and it’s against the law.
3. Harassment or Intimidation
Some landlords harass tenants to push them out. They might:
- Yell at you
- Show up unannounced
- Enter without permission
- Threaten to call immigration
- Spread false rumors
This is considered tenant harassment, and it’s often tied to wrongful eviction.
4. Fake Notices
Not all eviction notices are real. Some landlords print fake ones, hoping to scare you.
Always check if your notice has:
- A court stamp
- A case number
- A sheriff’s contact info
If it doesn’t, it might be fake.
Why Would a Landlord Try This?
Usually, it comes down to money.
Many wrongful evictions happen in rent-controlled areas. A landlord wants you out so they can raise the rent for a new tenant.
Or maybe you reported them for mold, leaks, or pests, and now they’re retaliating.
They see you as a problem, but that doesn’t make what they’re doing legal.
What Should You Do If You’re Being Illegally Evicted?
Take action immediately. The faster you respond, the stronger your case.
Here’s a step-by-step plan:
Step 1: Stay Calm and Don’t Leave
Unless there’s a court-ordered eviction carried out by a sheriff, you don’t have to go.
You have a right to stay in your home.
Leaving voluntarily could hurt your case.
Step 2: Document Everything
Start building your case.
- Take photos of the lock change
- Record conversations
- Save text messages or letters
- Write down the timeline of events
- Gather your lease and rent receipts
You need proof. The more, the better.
Step 3: Call the Police (If Needed)
If your landlord is physically removing you, call the police. Tell them your landlord is trying to evict you without a court order.
Police officers can stop an illegal eviction in progress.
They may not arrest the landlord, but they’ll often restore access and document the incident.
Step 4: Contact a Wrongful Eviction Lawyer
Don’t wait. Get legal help.
A wrongful eviction lawyer can:
- File a lawsuit
- Help you stay in your home
- Get you compensation
- Push for your landlord to pay penalties
- Negotiate lease agreements if you want to leave
Many lawyers work on a contingency basis—you don’t pay unless you win.
What Can You Sue For?
Wrongful eviction is a serious violation. In California, tenants can sue for:
- Emotional distress
- Loss of personal property
- Hotel and relocation costs
- Punitive damages
- Civil penalties (up to $100 per day of illegal eviction)
You may be entitled to thousands of dollars.
Some tenants win six-figure settlements. Especially when the landlord acted maliciously or repeatedly broke the law.
Can You Move Back In?
Sometimes, yes.
If a court finds the eviction was illegal, they can order the landlord to:
- Let you move back in
- Restore your lease
- Pay for your losses
But it depends on your case. And it can take time.
That’s why fast legal help is key.
What About Retaliation?
Let’s say you reported your landlord to the city. Or requested repairs. Or joined a tenant union.
Now they’re trying to evict you.
That’s retaliation. It’s also illegal.
Landlords can’t evict you—or raise your rent—because you exercised your legal rights.
If they do, you can sue for retaliation damages.
Don’t Sign Anything Under Pressure
Some landlords offer money to leave—cash-for-keys deals.
They might say, “Take $1,000 and move out this weekend.”
Stop. Breathe. Read every word before you sign anything.
Once you sign, it can be hard to undo.
Always have a lawyer look it over first.
A good attorney may be able to get you a better deal, or fight for your right to stay.
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Final Thoughts
Wrongful evictions are happening all across Los Angeles. Tenants are being forced out by shady tactics, fake notices, and landlord bullying, but here’s the truth:
You don’t have to take it.
You have rights. You have legal protections. And you have options.
If you think your eviction is illegal, take action. Stay calm, gather proof, and reach out to a wrongful eviction lawyer who can stand up for you.
Because your home is more than just a place to sleep. It’s your peace of mind. And it’s worth fighting for.