Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California
Non payement of rent, whutting off water
My friend owns an apartment building. They have five tenants who have not paid rent. We are serving them with 3 day pay or quit and court appearances at the same time. After they have been served and do not move, since the owner is paying the water bill, can he shut off the water to their apartments?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Non payement of rent, whutting off water
No, No, No. There are specific statutory penalties for interfering with any
utility service (even if paid by the landlord) in order to attempt to cause a tenant
to leave. The penalties are per person, per day, and thus can add up to the thousands of
dollars very quickly. This would be in addition to liability for any actual damages caused.
The way to evict tenants is through the court. Any other way to pressure them to leave is
wrongful and can cause liability (potentially not covered by insurance) for the landlord.
Jed Somit
Jed Somit, Attorney at Law
1440 Broadway - Suite 910
Re: Non payement of rent, whutting off water
No
Ken Koury
Kenneth P. Koury, Esq.
5807 Topanga Cyn Blvd., Suite G-201
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