Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

Your landlord cannot unilaterally turn off the utilities to your home. I'm assuming you are a lawful tenant on her property, and as such, she must provide you with certain notices to move or pay rent or quit. After the notices expire, then she must file a lawsuit - called an unlawful detainer - to eventually have you removed from the property. Only after she files the suit, obtains a judgment and obtains a writ of possession can she have the sheriff's evict you from the property. If she turns off the utilities, contact the county or city housing department to complain. Finally, contact a local tenant's attorney - she's going to attempt to go around the law, and you need an advocate helping you ensure that she doesn't just unilaterally turn off utilities or lock you out one day.

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