Cal. Civ. Code § 2.2
Recovery of damages; costs and fees. In the case of a petition filed on or after July 1, 1992, where termination of utility service is averted as a result of action taken by the utility company or tenant or tenants under Section 2, the petitioner is entitled to recover its costs (including court costs), fees (including attorney's fees), and expenses incurred in connection with bringing the receivership proceeding. The costs, fees, and expenses, and damages recoverable under Section 2.1, may be awarded by the court in the receivership proceeding. The sum awarded by the court to the utility company shall be paid by the receiver to the utility company out of the rents paid to the receiver
Operative Text
Recovery of damages; costs and fees. In the case of a petition filed on or after July 1, 1992, where termination of utility service is averted as a result of action taken by the utility company or tenant or tenants under Section 2, the petitioner is entitled to recover its costs (including court costs), fees (including attorney's fees), and expenses incurred in connection with bringing the receivership proceeding. The costs, fees, and expenses, and damages recoverable under Section 2.1, may be awarded by the court in the receivership proceeding. The sum awarded by the court to the utility company shall be paid by the receiver to the utility company out of the rents paid to the receiver.
Under 765 Ill. Comp. Stat. 735 § 2.2, when a utility shutoff is prevented through action by a utility company or tenants under Section 2, the party that initiated the receivership proceeding may recover its court costs, attorney's fees, and related expenses. A court overseeing the receivership can award these costs along with any damages available under Section 2.1. Any amount the court awards to the utility company is paid out of the rent money collected by the receiver, rather than directly by the landlord or tenants.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Section 735 § 2.2 creates a financial consequence for property owners whose failure to pay utility bills triggers a receivership proceeding: the costs, attorney's fees, and expenses incurred by the petitioning party can be awarded by the court and satisfied from rents that would otherwise flow to the owner. Operators who maintain current utility payments and address service-threat notices promptly generally avoid the circumstances that lead to receivership under Section 2. Keeping documented records of utility account payments and any correspondence with utility providers is a practice consistent with compliance under this statute.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under 765 Ill. Comp. Stat. 735 § 2.2, tenants who take action under Section 2 to prevent a utility shutoff may be entitled to recover the costs and attorney's fees they incurred in bringing a receivership proceeding. This provision gives tenants a recognized path to seek reimbursement through the court handling the receivership, rather than bearing those expenses out of pocket. Tenants who have participated in such a proceeding may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider to understand how to present a claim for costs and fees under this section.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 18, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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