Is it illegal for a landlord to turn off power???

Question

I live in new york state, i have a 3 year old, a 18 month old, and pregnant and due anyday now and my electric is not included in my rent. Well this morning my landlord came over and took the breaker out of the electric box and wont tell me why. Is this illegal considering there are kids in the household??? I'm finding a new apartment but am interested in seeing if i can press charges against my landlords..

Answer 1

Absolutely.

Under no circumstances anywhere in the U.S. can the landlord turn off your electricity, except temporarily for performing repairs (even if the rent hasn't been paid).

If the electricity is included as part of the rent and you're on the same power meter as the landlord, he has to keep the power on until he legally evicts you. He's got no business messing with the circuit breakers, and you should call the police immediately to have him turn it back on. You can have him arrested if he does it again.

Answer 2

illegal if he did i agree i would call the electric company and report him!!!

they will go after him and press charges!!

its putting her kids at harm w no electiricty how could that not be illegal?or harmful to the kids to have milk etc???

call the local police dept and ask them since you have kids.

see what they tell you.I mean you cant feed kids bad food etc.

It doesnt matter if you havent paid rent etc.he has to give you so many days to get out etc.

Answer 3

You won't be able to press criminal charges, becuase well this isn't a 'criminal offence.'

If somehow you lost food, (ie due to the power being cut and food spoiling), and kept the reciepts from items you had to reimburse yourself then you could definately sue civily but otherwise you are SOL.

Answer 4

Probably illegal if the landlord did it on his own.

If the electric company did it, it would be legal.

Answer 5

Yes...

Answer 6

it is no a crime to do that but you could go to Judge Judy and try to take away his landlord ownership rights

Answer 7

Review your contract