What does California Civil Code section 789.3 do?

Cal. Civ. Code § 789.3 prohibits landlord self-help: changing locks, removing personal property, shutting off utilities, or otherwise preventing a tenant from entering to force a move-out. A landlord who violates § 789.3 is liable for actual damages, $100 per day of violation, and reasonable attorney fees and costs to a prevailing tenant.

What is the only lawful way to remove a tenant in California?

Only a court-ordered unlawful detainer judgment followed by a sheriff lockout is lawful. Anything else, including changing locks, shutting off utilities, or removing personal property, is wrongful and triggers the § 789.3 penalty.

Do I still have a claim if my landlord let me back in?

Yes. The $100-per-day penalty accrues for every day of the lockout, and the right to attorney fees and costs does not depend on whether you are still locked out. Document the dates carefully.

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Wrongful Lockout Evidence Pack (California Tenant)

Tell me what your landlord did. I score the strength under Cal. Civ. Code § 789.3, calculate the $100-per-day penalty exposure, list what you have versus what you still need, and draft an intake email you can send me.

This tool is informational only. Output is attorney-supervised AI commentary, not legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by using this tool. For California-specific advice on your actual matter, email me at owner@terms.law. CA State Bar #279869.

Wrongful Lockout Evidence Pack (California Tenant)

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