Landlords: Can You Cut Electricity to Collect Arrears or Evict?

KVV Inc Attorneys

Published on: 04/03/2025

Landlords cannot resort to self-help, like cutting utilities or changing locks, to evict defaulting tenants. This risks a costly "spoliation order," forcing restoration of the status quo. Courts prioritize preventing self-help, not the merits of the dispute. Tenants only need prove peaceful possession and unlawful deprivation. A recent case highlights this: a landlord who loaded disputed arrears onto pre-paid meters, effectively cutting electricity, was ordered to restore supply and remove the balances. Self-help is a costly mistake; seek legal advice instead.