California Lockouts and utility shutoffs

Can a landlord change the locks or shut off utilities in California?

A landlord may not willfully interrupt utilities (water, heat, electricity, gas and others) in order to force a residential tenant out, even if the utility service is not under the landlord's control. Lockouts and removing doors, windows or the tenant's property are also banned.

Verified Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 789.3(a)–(b) · last checked 2026-10-15