Landlord Changed the Locks While I Was at Work - Is This Legal? (California 2025)

I'm freaking out right now. Came home from work today and my key doesn't work. Landlord changed all the locks on my apartment. My stuff is still inside - clothes, laptop which sucks, everything. I haven't even missed rent, we just had a disagreement last week about some repairs I've been asking for.

There was no eviction notice, no court date, nothing. I've been living here for 2 years. He just changed the locks while I was at work.

Is this even legal?? What do I do? I'm literally standing outside my apartment right now typing this on my phone.

Wanted to follow up with some additional resources since this thread is getting good traction.

Emergency steps if you're still locked out:

1. Call 211 - they can connect you with emergency housing assistance
2. Contact local tenant rights organization - many offer free legal help. In LA, try BASTA, Housing Rights Center, or Legal Aid Foundation
3. File complaint with California DFEH if you believe this is retaliatory (you mentioned asking for repairs)

If landlord has also been entering your unit without notice (common pattern with these landlords), that's a separate violation under Civil Code 1954. You can use this illegal entry demand letter to document those incidents as well.

Important timing note: The statute of limitations for Civil Code 789.3 claims is generally 3 years, but you want to act quickly while evidence is fresh and witnesses remember what happened.

If damages exceed small claims limits or you want to pursue punitive damages (which can be significant in egregious cases), consult with a tenant rights attorney. Many work on contingency for these cases because the law is so clearly on your side.