If you are a California business owner, your office location is crucial for day to day operations, whether it is a retail store or a software company. At Kashfian & Kashfian, LLP, we have experience representing unlawfully evicted commercial tenants.
Complying with the state laws can be complicated as they require that landlord rights be balanced with those of the tenant. As a result, it may take months to remove a tenant from a commercial space. Even if you are late on rent, there are specific steps required to lawfully remove your business from the premises. Some landlords may use illegal tactics to move the process faster, particularly if you comply with the terms of the lease. Common self-help methods include the following:
- Changing the locks at the location
- Allowing utility companies to stop service is by refusing to pay the bill
- Issuing threats to the tenant
- Removing tenant property from the premises
- Ordering occupants to leave
The court may award actual money damages to you for expenses incurred as the result of an illegal eviction using these and similar tactics. Terminating a lease does not require a cause. However, if it is not done legally, the landlord may be subject to substantial fines. Depending on the circumstances, a suit may be brought for wrongful eviction, trespassing, intentional infliction of emotional distress and a range of other charges.
Illegal evictions can disrupt your organization’s daily operations, affect your reputation and prevent you from achieving business goals. Visit our webpage for more information on this topic.