California AG puts law enforcement on notice over illegal evictions

Citing “numerous” reports of illegal evictions throughout the state, California Attorney Rob Bonta on Wednesday took steps to make sure law enforcement officers are working to prevent tenants from losing their homes without a valid court order.

Illegal or “self-help” evictions take many forms, including a landlord changing the locks on someone’s home without authorization, shutting off the water or electricity in an attempt to force a tenant out, or removing a renter’s personal property, Bonta said during a virtual media briefing. In an effort to stop those breaches of law, Bonta issued legal guidance that lays out a law enforcement officer’s responsibility to intervene.

The issue is part of California’s broader housing crisis, which has hit the expensive Bay Area particularly hard.

SOURCE
https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/07/13/california-ag-puts-law-enforcement-on-notice-over-illegal-evictions/