Is an illegal eviction a criminal Offence?

Illegal eviction is a criminal offence. The law is very specific and solid in its procedures for eviction of any tenant who has an assured shorthold tenancy agreement, and tenants are covered by the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 to ensure the processes and notice periods are adhered to.

What can I do about an illegal eviction in California?

Illegal eviction penalties can vary from state to state. In California, for instance, you can sue for actual damages in addition to $100 per day of violation with a $250 minimum. The state statute also provides for your attorney’s fees, court costs, and gives you the right to stay. In contrast, Colorado allows you to sue for any damages.

Is it illegal for a landlord to evict a tenant?

The process can take a lot of time and the court costs can definitely add up. Because of this, a lot of landlords willfully choose to forgo the eviction process, taking the matter into their own hands. When landlords fail to follow the legal guidelines for evicting a tenant, it is considered an illegal eviction.

Which is an example of an illegal eviction?

Examples include tenants who are above a certain age or tenants who have resided at a unit for a set number of years. Landlords will have a hard time evicting protected tenants, and it may even constitute an illegal eviction even if the landlord has a good reason to remove them.

What happens if you file a wrongful eviction lawsuit?

Usually local law enforcement will notify the tenant of the lawful eviction and the number of days the tenant has to move. If the tenant fails to leave the property in that time frame, law enforcement officers may physically remove the tenant. What is a Wrongful Eviction?

Landlords in every state must follow specific rules and procedures when evicting a tenant, and must not take the law into their own hands. Examples of illegal “self-help” evictions include changing the locks, taking the tenant’s belongings, removing the front door, or turning off the heat or electricity.