Cal. Civ. Code § 44-7-14.1
Landlord’s duties as to utilities.
Operative Text
(a) As used in this Code section, the term “utilities” means cooling, heat, light, and water service. (b) It shall be unlawful for any landlord knowingly and willfully to suspend the furnishing of utilities to a tenant until after the final disposition of any dispossessory proceeding by the landlord against such tenant. (c) Any person who violates subsection (b) of this Code section shall, upon conviction, be assessed a fine not to exceed $500.00.
Under O.C.G.A. § 44-7-14.1, Georgia law defines 'utilities' to include cooling, heat, light, and water service. A landlord is prohibited from knowingly and willfully cutting off any of these services to a tenant while an eviction (dispossessory) proceeding is still pending or unresolved. The restriction remains in effect until the dispossessory case reaches its final disposition, meaning the landlord cannot use utility shutoffs as a pressure tactic during the legal process.
Plain English — not legal advice.
O.C.G.A. § 44-7-14.1 makes it a criminal offense for a landlord to knowingly and willfully shut off cooling, heat, light, or water to a tenant while a dispossessory proceeding is ongoing. Compliant property operators maintain uninterrupted utility service throughout the entire eviction process, regardless of unpaid rent or other disputes, until the case is fully and finally resolved. A conviction under this provision can result in a fine of up to $500.00, so operators generally ensure that utility accounts remain active and are not administratively terminated during any pending legal action.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Georgia law under O.C.G.A. § 44-7-14.1 gives tenants the right to continued cooling, heat, light, and water service for the duration of any dispossessory proceeding a landlord has filed against them. If a landlord knowingly and willfully shuts off utilities during that period, the conduct is a criminal violation subject to a fine of up to $500.00 upon conviction. Tenants who believe this provision has been violated may consider documenting the shutoff, contacting local law enforcement or the prosecutor's office, or reaching out to a tenant-rights organization for information about available remedies.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 28, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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