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I need to know what damages I can sue for in an action for illegal eviction?

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I was illegally evicted last in August while on vacation. I was given no notice and locked out of the premises. My things were boxed and locks changed before I even got an email about it. I had nowhere to go when I got home. I'm suing to reclaim my security deposit and remainder of rent, plus $100 per day I was locked out. However, I need to know what other damages I can sue for? The case is coming up and I can't find clear answers anywhere to which California civil statutes entitle me to damages. Almost all of my money is tied up in this place and I need to know what I'm entitled to.

Asked 11/15/2009 under Real Estate | 253 View(s) | More Legal Topics

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SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney Answered 2 years ago | Contributor

You can sue for damages resulting directly from the eviction. For example:

1) if you have to rent a place that's more expensive (or stay in a hotel/motel), the difference in rent; include increases in utilities

2) if you had to pay storage for you belongings, the storage costs

3) if the only place you could find to live is further and requires an increase in commuting costs, you could possibly recover that

4) if you lost anything owing to the timing (e.g. missed going to ballgame or on a vacation w/nonrefundable tickets), then you could add that in

This is simply basic contract law; when someone breaches a contract, the other party may be entitled to expenses coming from that breach.

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